Professional Documents
Culture Documents
GUNS.
W.
W.
GREENER,
&
ITS
ETC.
MELBOURNE.
LIMITED
INTRODUCTION.
IN the present treatise the Author has endeavoured to give such
information as is constantly demanded of gun makers by shooting
men. Notwithstanding the number of published books written by
sportsmen for sportsmen, there is much information indispensable
to those who use guns, which the gunmaker only can impart.
to be a sportsman's
of gunmakers' circulars, nor
does it exhibit those conflicting opinions and diverse conclusions
found in recent books on the same subject such books having
encyclopaedia,
it
is
not a
is
not
intended
compound
although
it is
amongst
their readers,
lead.
It is to the
who
interest of those
INTRODUCTION.
vi
settled as far as
writers of
is
possible.
fail
the
for
to
give
"
"
or
a definite opinion with respect to the merits of choke-bore
"nitrowhether
and
or
"hammerless,"
"cylinder," of "hammer-guns"
"
gunpowders
for use in
made
a special
endeavour to give the intending purchaser of a modern gun such
directions as will enable him to obtain the article best suited for his
In
purpose, to load
dition ready for
it
to best advantage,
immediate
The sportsman,
respect to
any
and to keep
it
in
good con-
use.
therefore,
who
wishes to
know
decisively with
percussion guns
may yet be
required.
Newspapers
generally
Guns
by
for
their energetic
anu
gun trade
future, as in the past, they will direct their attention to the further
futile discussions
INTRODUCTION.
without necessitating
conditions,
vii
re-
petitions.
The HISTORICAL Section is necessarily meagre those sportsmen who desire further information respecting the firearms of our
:
forefathers will
"
find
its
fuller
particulars
in
the Author's
book -
Development"
will be appreciated by
those sportsmen who do NOT care for the jargon of the gun-shop
nor the phraseology of science.
ANALYTICAL
In the
Shot Gun
The
The TECHNICAL
teems with
results
of
figures,
all
knowledge of
could not be
Section
them
left
Sporting Gunnery.
The SPECIFICAL
ticulars of
Section
is
"
"
large game," shooting with ball;
wild-fowling," for
treats, moreover, of small-bore guns, light short 12-bore guns,
ing,"
and
and
specifying what any Shoulder Gun may be expected to average with any of the ordinary loads.
In the CRITICAL Section the Author has fearlessly and withcontains tables
from giving his opinion, nor from quoting the opinions of others, on
INTRODUCTION.
viii
The PRACTICAL
Section
is
just
what
it
professes to be,
viz.,
longest and
treatise.
W. W. GREENER.
Birmingham,
first
large
edition
which, judging by
to
of
demand
its
January
ist,
having been
1891.
all
who handle
of service
guns.
CONTENTS.
PAGE
INTRODUCTION
PART
THE GUN.
I.
SECTION
I.
HISTORICAL.
Firearms
first
The
Greener Muzzle-loader
The
Breech-loader
Top-lever
Hammer Gun
SECTION
II.
DESCRIPTIVE.
Hammer Guns Double-Grip Gun Side-lever Gun Top-lever Gun " Doll'shead " Gun Treble-Grip Gun Treble Wedge-fast Gun Semi-hammerless
Guns The Murcott Gun The Allport Gun The "Club" Hammerless
Gun
Gun
SECTION
The Component
Parts of a
Belgian Barrels
Steel
Gun
III.
The
Barrels
ANALYTICAL.
Barrels
Gun
Bent-over Stocks
...
Damascus
Barrels
English
v.
..
Safety
...
Sights..
...
31
CONTENTS.
SECTION
TECHNICAL.
IV.
Shooting
Weight
Obstructions in Barrels
Charge
Chokes
v.
Cylinders
SECTION
The
Essentials of a
...
...
Ignition
...
...
...
56
SPECIFICAL.
V.
Gun
Miniature Guns
Guns
Brass
91
SECTION VI.-CRITICAL.
The
Gun
The Gun
...
...
Stock
SECTION
Handling the Gun
to
Keep
and
in
When
Ordering by Letter
...
..
VII.
Choosing from
...
...
109
PRACTICAL.
Caring for
Good Guns
Good Order
to
Send
for
Loader Shooting from Boats Loading Cartridges General Arrangement and Management of the Gun-Room
...
...
...
...
to
PART
II.
SECTION
Powder
134
Black Powders
v.
I.
GUNPOWDERS.
Powders
...
SECTION
English Shot
Chilled
English Sizes
v.
Soft Shot
American
Sizes
II.
I4 g
SHOT.
Sizes of
Shot...
154
CONTENTS.
SECTION
Eley's Cases
Cases
III.
158
IV.
Cartridge Magazines
tridge
Loading Implements
menta
Ignition of Cartridge
Felt Wadding The
Wad
SECTION
Cases
"Field"
Gun
xi
Packing up
for a
PART
Shooting Tour
III.
SECTION
Its
Trap Shooting
I.
...
English Rules
SECTION
II.
...
...
164
...
166
TRAP SHOOTING.
LIVE BIRD SHOOTING.
Highest Scores
...
Continental Rules
...
...
INANIMATE TARGETS.
183
APPENDIX.
"
"
Sterling
Steel
Gun
Barrels
The "
Gififard
"
Gun
195
MODERN SHOT
PART
SECTION
I.
I.
GUNS.
THE GUN.
HISTORICAL.
EARLY GUNS.
THERE was much
who,
game shooting, as well as for purposes of war. The Shot Gun was
gradually evolved from the original hand firearm, but as a Shot Gun its
history can only date from the introduction of double-barrelled arms.
The Sporting Shot Gun may therefore be termed a modern weapon. It
was not until the middle of the seventeenth century that double guns were
made sufficiently small or light to be used as sporting weapons. The development was very slow ; the earlier guns had no ribs, and were furnished
with wheel locks; in the eighteenth century ribs were added, and the
for large
MODERN SHOT
GUNS.
firmly as
the
by those fortunate enough to possess them, although
that fifty years would
maker, and possibly their first purchaser, thought
to the limbo of forgotten
probably see them in practical use, not relegated
hall wall.
lumber, or utilised to fill a museum gap or adorn the
as curiosities
W.
1858.
HISTORICAL.
The
it
for sporting
1836.
the mechanism, although simple, was ill adapted for the purpose.
The
Lefaucheux was favourably received, and the principle of the dropping
down of the barrels for loading which he adopted has been faithfully
adhered to since, and has now possibly attained its most perfect form.
and for further decided improvements in modern sporting shot-guns the
principle, not the details, will require alteration.
MODERN SHOT
essential point
gas and in this
*C
Ki^!S
is
GUNS.
adjomtg
illustration
it
Barked
shown
its
in
the
introducer,
oppo:
Mr. Daw, of Threadneedle Street, and notwithstanding general
soon as
gun
known.
1861, and
The
central-fire
system
is
still
Daw's
Central-fire
Hammer Gun.
an improvement on
flint, and the pin-fire, as
of the
muzzle-loaders, are insignificant in comparison with the advantages
which represent
central-fire system.
Safety, speed, and ease are words
the main advantages, but they do not convey the full import to one un-
an improvement on the
Improvements during
acquainted with the older types of sporting guns.
the first century and a half of the gun's adoption to sporting uses were
scanty and apparently unimportant ; since the commencement of the present century each decade has seen numerous inventions applied to sporting
There is no longer any need
guns, many of very considerable importance.
for writers to advance thirty reasons showing the superiority of the breechnor for
to fatigue themselves with
loading over other
systems,
sportsmen
heavy guns, and the annoyances of loading from the muzzle. The demand
is for a gun that will do an immense amount of work, do it quickly, and
with ease to the user.
The large bags made almost daily during the
season were a matter of impossibility to our grandfathers with their guns,
The gun for the battue,
providing even that other things were equal.
for the field, and for the
trap must fill requirements which Colonel
Hawker or Squire Osbaldeston would have deemed preposterous, and
HISTORICAL.
certainly each decade, nay, each succeeding season, witnesses the production
of new alterations to the sporting gun in such numbers that perfect as
sportsmen may consider their guns, it is evident that to many disadvan-
The Purdey
Central-fire
Gun
1888.
"
the through lump, the circle joint, the spring fore-end, the
solid"
headed striker, the one-legged extractor, the double grip, and the " snap
"
action
breech mechanisms, the extended rib, &c. Those of primary importance the rebounding lock, the top bolt, choke-boring, the hammerstriker,
less gun.
it
is
saved
MODERN SHOT
GUNS.
In 1873 the
where
ancient or modern.
SECTION
II.
DESCRIPTIVE,
HAMMER
GUNS.
To
and
to leave the
sportsman in no
little
confusion.
to be
The gun
appearance
is
Gun,
is
the
first,
as
it
MODERN SHOT
GUNS.
When
action,
Another
lever
is
DESCRIPTIVE.
The
side lever may be on either the right or left side of the gun.
modification of this breech mechanism is the under lever, in which
the lever, instead of being taken to the side, is bent to the form of the
trigger-guard, and lies over it (see Daw's breech-loader, already illustrated).
The lever is depressed to open the gun. When the gun is closed, the
holding-down bolts snap home, carrying the lever to its place.
This mechanism is now occasionally supplemented by a bolt or bolts,
engaging with an extension of the top rib of the barrels ; but, although
once much sought after, the side lever has been discarded by most gunmakers, and, with one notable exception, is to be found only in low-priced
guns.
upon a
and is
raised
soon as the barrels are in their place for firing. The general appearance
of a gun with this lever may be seen by referring to illustrations of the
Various mechanisms are used by
Purdey Gun, in the first chapter.
different makers to bring about the withdrawal of the bolt or bolts ; but
there is, in reality, little to choose between the methods employed.
The
adjoined illustration shows a Top-lever hammer gun, with back-action
locks j and it may as well be remarked here, that in a light gun the backaction lock allows of more metal, and consequently greater strength in the
breech-action, whilst the grip of the stock is not proportionately weakened.
In a heavy gun, the strain upon the hand of the stock is greater, and as
the back-action lock does take from the strength of the stock in its
MODERN SHOT
IO
GUNS.
shilling
this
or a separate steel
back
The Doll's-Head
generally found
lower grades
The
is
it is
decidedly popular.
In
upon
its
primitive form,
on guns of the
it
is
third
not
and
DESCRIPTIVE.
1 1
TREBLE-GRIP GUNS.
When,
in addition
to the usual
double holding-down
bolt,
a gun
is
furnished with a bolt, engaging with the extension of the top rib, it is
The ordinary Doll's-Head Gun is sometimes
called a Treble-Grip Gun.
The crude idea of the ordinary Treble-Grip
so styled, but wrongly so.
Gun would seem to have originated from a combination of the well-known
Westley Richards' top-grip breech-action with the double holding-down
bolt ; but, strange to say, this is almost the last form the Treble-Grip
Gun has taken. The well-known and very much superior Treble WedgeFast Gun to be described preceded it, as did many others of considerable
The third grip may be a prolongation of the top lever, a small
worth.
by
it,
V grooves
or a fancifully-shaped
of the
is
is
imitations,
chapter
is
and
MODERN SHOT
I2
GUNS.
W. W.
it is
The
and
The mechanism is
is made on both
guns.
and
if
and
is
beauty.
This
is
all
charges, for
all
who work
their
DESCRIPTIVE.
13
guns hard, for all who require a light and safe gun. The price may be
said roughly to range from fifteen to fifty pounds ; but on the Continent
wretchedly made imitations are circulated, which have only the barest
outward resemblance to the original English gun, which
is
the sole
Siberia to stop
its
proper working.
SEMI-HAMMERLESS GUNS.
Self-cocking and self-half-cocking guns, with hammers, enjoyed a certain
With pin-fire guns, the raising of the
popularity in the 1860-70 decade.
hammer to half-cock by means of the action lever was an advantage.
Central-fire guns, with rebounding locks, quite superseded all guns halfcocked by the lever. Hammer guns cocked by means of the action lever
Another compromise
hammers
plicated,
and
is
it
is
MODERN SHOT
I4
GUNS.
but
it
gun
in
action lever.
the cocking effected by the under
first
DESCRIPTIVE.
15
Allport's Double-grip
Hammerless Gun.
early Murcott Hammerless Guns ; its position upon the top of ;'the
standing breech was not a handy one, but the bolt itself was very much
better than the majority of complicated mechanisms misnamed "safeties,"
which are applied to the modern modifications of the weapon.
the
lock,,
MODERN SHOT
!6
at
grip breech-action.
The mechanism
will
be
easily
GUNS.
after
reference
to
illustration.
may be used.
The mechanism is adapted for double and
from
its
^30
shop
^45
gun
class.
full cock.
The top lever is very popular, but
there are many difficulties to be surmounted before a hammerless gun in
which the cocking is done by the lever, can be produced. The top lever
is short, and the leverage obtained
barely sufficient to easily withdraw the
action bolts, and
compress the action spring. The travel is short,
although sufficient for withdrawing the action bolt ; if the lever be made
to travel further it is not handy, so although many arrangements of levers,
friction rollers, and inclined planes have been tried, it is not surprising that
this
DESCRIPTIVE.
17
causing the holding-down bolt to engage with the barrel lug at the
the barrels are dropped for loading, and utilising the weight of the
By
me
MODERN SHOT
GUNS.
which were made upon this principle, but although they are not now so
makers still offer them.
general, several "gun
The " Club Hammerless Gun made by W. W. Greener is typical of this
In London such guns are offered at ^40, but they are also
class of gun.
made in plain style for export and the country trade, and may be met with
Several safety bolts are applicable, and one or more
at half this price.
will be generally found on all such guns.
is
move with them, and carry the locks into full bent. The
The gun about the bree ch has a very square box-like
Several systems of holding down bolts are used in conthe Anson and Deeley lock, but the top-lever and a treble
solid.
appearance.
junction with
grip is the most gent- ral.
The safety usually employed is fixed upon the top, and cuts right
The gun is made in many
through the weakest part of the gun-stock.
qualities, and may be found with the name of almost every maker
English
and foreign. It has been popular in the United States under the name
"
of the "Harrington and Richardson Hammerless.
The
all
from
cheapest guns
sham top
fastenings,
.10
to
They
^20.
serviceable
gun on
this principle,
best qualities of
By a later patent the lock
and
is
mechanism
first
somewhat
SCOTT'S
dearer.
HAMMERLESS GUN.
DESCRIPTIVE.
19
rods have a notch near their fore extremity, with which studs, c, fixed under
the barrels engage, drawing forward the rods as the breech-ends of the
barrels rise.
The rear extremity of each rod, A, engaging at B with the
tumbler of the lock, pulls it into cock as the rod travels forward. The
lock mechanism is affixed to side lock plates, which are usually furnished
with crystal apertures, H, through which the position of the tumbler
which
is often gilt
may be seen.
Several improvements have been added to this gun, and
opened and closed with ease, and is pleasant to use.
Mechanism
The
chief points
of Scott's
by which
it
it
may now be
differentiated are
the crystal
Hammerless Gun.
may be
These checks
apertures, H, the studs, c, under the barrels and gas-checks.
consist of blued-steel discs let into the face of the standing breech, having
the strikers for their centre.
groove is made near the circumference oi
the
discs,
c2
20
The principle
idea of its working.
to
instead of rebounding to half, goes
opened.
W. W.
Hammerless Gun.
The
price of this
gun
is
DESCRIPTIVE.
THE "GREENER
In
21
HAMMERLESS GUN.
The
Mechanism
of Greener's
Hammerless Gun.
by Needham and Anson and Deeley, but are acted upon by a swivel catch
The above illustration shows
pivoted in the under lump of the barrels.
As the barrels are dropped for loading,
the arrangement of the mechanism.
the breech-ends rise, and the swivel, engaging with the turned-in extremities
prices
from sixteen to
fifty
guineas.
MODERN SHOT
22
GUNS.
Modern
its
dislodgement.
fired
with
falls
it
as the
gun
is
shooter.
In the Needham Ejector the barrels are forced upwards by the lever ;
a modification is also made with a top lever, but even in its cheapest form
the gun is well worth the thirty or more pounds asked for it.
DESCRIPTIVE.
MODERN SHOT
24
GUNS.
is
mechanism
W. W.
Mechanism
communicating with the legs of the extractors. Each extractor acts independently of the other, and in connection only with its own barrel and lock,
and thus it is impossible for an unfired cartridge to be thrown out.
On
Presuming that the gun has been fired, the action is as follows
opening the barrels, the tumblers are raised by their turned-in forward
extremities bearing on the additional stud of the
cocking swivel. When
nearly to cock, they slip past the stud and fall sharply upon the ejector's
lower arms, and the extractors, already forced partly out
by a lever iri the
fore-end in the usual manner, are violently
propelled to their full extent by
the blow, and flip out the fired cases.
If one cartridge only be fired, the other lock
remaining at cock does
:
DESCRIPTIVE.
The power
falling,
25
effected perfectly.
The gun requires most careful adjustment, and although theparts are few
and most simple to ensure perfect working the utmost precision is necessary
in centreing and shaping the various limbs.
Consequently, the gun can
only be made by experienced workmen, and must be made of best quality
The prices, therefore, range from forty guineas for a gun
throughout.
The principle
plainly finished to sixty for those elaborately ornamented.
of ejecting may be used with suitable mechanism upon various hammerless
and hammer guns, but owing to the success of the author's ejecting gun,
somewhat similar, but less perfect, mechanisms are in the market, whilst
there are numerous imitations so very inferior that the sportsman will
readily shun them.
The Deeley
Ejector Gun.
in the
mechanism provided
The
hammer.
Anson and Deeley gun, and
ordinary lock
mechanism
is
that of the
26
MODERN SHOT
GUNS.
DESCRIPTIVE.
27
is cocked by the act of opening the gun; the ejecting locks more
nearly
resemble the ordinary gun lock, and are cocked as tue gun is closed.
The split extractor, one for each barrel, is the main feature of the
Needham ejector gun, and is adopted in this principle, but the complication of the parts for the purpose of producing the ejection of the tired
case is carried to quite an absurd extent when it is remembered that equal
results are obtained with but one lock, and that a strong and simpler one.
like nature.
To
is
beyond the
scope of this work ; but readers interested will find much additional information on these points in "THE GUN," a work of which mention has
already been made.
NOVELTIES.
A gun has been recently introduced in which the lever to operate the
breech mechanism is placed in the comb of the stock. This permits of
great
leverage;
it
is
as
top
lever,
and from its length and position permits of greater pressure being put
lightly fastened
upon the mechanism to withdraw clogged or otherwise
bolts.
The action spring is stronger, the " bite " on the bolts therefore
MODERN SHOT
28
GUNS.
-there is but little friction, but owing to the bolt being held in
a
direct spring, it does not keep firmly to its work when the
position by
tighter,
gun,
is
and
fired.
The appearance
lever, but
treble-grip guns.
A more popular repeating shot gun is the Spencer, a gun in which the
mechanism is worked by the left hand. The fore-end is furnished with a
"
"hand-piece sliding longitudinally, and actuating a more simple mechanism
than that usually found in repeating arms.
The gun can be functioned by the left hand whilst held to the
shoulder, and without greatly disturbing the aim.
The well-known shot, Dr. W. F. Carver, attempted to give a " boom "
to this gun.
He matched himself against time, had six Spencer shot
Dr. Carver failed, the guns jamming
guns, and two assistants to load.
From what the author knows of
owing, it is said, to faulty shells.
Dr. Carver, and having supplied him with
many thousands of shells and
DESCRIPTIVE.
loaded cartridges, he
is
29
cartridges
out
"
tive of aim.
Firer,
one minute
not
fired."
commencing
of the gun
Magazine
to
fire.
two thrown
loaded before
eight fired
"
Firer, representative
one
and
minute,
it
c/j
summary
states
" In
all the tests over 378 rounds have
been fired from the gun. Of these, ten were
as far as
its
30
MODERN SHOT
GUNS.
those cases where the cartridges were not fired because of premature pulling
were in position to be struck by the
trigger, before the primers
In the firing by the members of the Board but little difficulty
firing-pin.
on the
There are perhaps some sportsmen who are inclined to treat the reThe author cannot do so, for although he
peating shot guns an serienx.
admits the mechanism to be ingenious, the results obtained by their use
do not warrant their general adoption.
A travelling representative of a firm who manufacture a repeating shot
gun, and who was himself expert in the use of the gun, was challenged
by a sportsman he met casually to shoot a match with him against time,
the sportsman to use a Greener self-acting ejector gun, the expert his
The result of the match was that the sportsman won
repeating shot gun.
by breaking 90 glass balls out of 100 in seven minutes; the expert broke
the same number, but occupied more than ten minutes in
In this
firing.
contest the guns became so hot that they had to be cooled
by being
submerged in a tub of water after every ten or fifteen shots.
SECTION
III.
ANALYTICAL.
known
Damascus,
Silver Steel
Damascus
Steel Barrel.
forms a tube
sold annually ;
part of barrel
on the
Barrel.
piece of
sheet steel
still
maker,
barrel
dealer,
barrel
A
best twist barrels, he
is
man
requiring them.
from the solid or
Siemens' steel and several other varieties drilled
An
English Single- I
drawn into tubes in the rolling mill, are offered at a less price than .the
Whitworth barrels, and are often inferior in quality.
Of " twisted'' gun barrels, "scelp" is the cheapest. In appearance it
An
is
inferior to
figure
consists
ANALYTICAL.
33
Greener's Solid-Weldless-Twist
' '
Boston
"
Barrel.
Gun
Barrel.
Only the very best iron will stand the severe twisting to which a
Damascus barrel is subjected in the course of manufacture.
"
"
crolle
Damascus is a pleasing but otherwise useless
Variegated, or
deviation from the true Damascus
figure.
Laminated steel gun barrels are welded from a differently composed
quality.
very fine
34
MODERN SHOT
GUNS.
"
;'
if
Development/'
he wishes to further examine this purely
technical matter.
"
as shot guns, is the author's
solid"
weldless-twist barrel, shown in the preceding
well
illustration.
The
Damascus
',
',
of Greener's
at
ANALYTICAL.
35
by boring the barrel cylinder for nearly the whole length, contracting it at
from 2\ to 3 inches from the muzzle.
The other plan is to enlarge the
bore immediately behind the muzzle, extending the enlargement from 2 to
Various Styles of
Gun
D 2
MODERN SHOT
GUNS.
Various Styles of
"Choke"
Boring.
No.
2,
or bored taper, as in
3.
ANALYTICAL.
is
37
is
The half-choke
The quarter-choke ...
The improved cylinder
The old, or true cylinder
...
...
...
...
...
...
215
185
160
140
pellets.
,,
115
The 12-Bore
Cartridge Chamber.
be fired from it ; its axis should be one with the axis of the barrel, and it
should taper in a gradual cone into the bore of the barrel.
The above
illustration gives the correct internal diameter of the best i2-bore chamber
make of cases.
Guns with chambers with sudden cone should be avoided.
The extractor is let into the breech end of the barrel, the lower
leg
working in a hole, which should be drilled through the lump, but sometimes faultily drilled in the barrels, to their great detriment.
The extractor
has sometimes a second /eg, which in cheap guns not unfrequently works
in a hole cut in one or both barrels, and weakens them
dangerously.
There is no doubt that the majority of gun barrels which burst at the
breech have thus faultily fitted extractors.
The breech-action comprises the breech-action body or frame, to which
the barrels are fitted, and in which work the holding-down and top bolts.
The joint-pin is that upon which the barrels are hinged, and the joint
is that turned semicircle against which the fore-end-iron abuts.
The locks
MODERN SHOT
GUNS.
The Modern
Rebounding Gun Lock and
its
Parts.
ANALYTICAL.
39
in
lies in slots
different striker
is
preferred in America
it is
as
shown below
The
into bent.
The
which
will raise
40
MODERN SHOT
GUNS.
ANALYTICAL.
SAFETY BOLTS.
Nearly
all
hammerless guns are fitted with one or more safety bolts, the
two distinct kinds those automatic in their action, and
those dependent
to put
them
to
"
safe."
Automatic safety bolts are usually applied to the lock tumblers in the
shape of a secondary scear or as an intercepting bolt.
They are neither
more
One
is
the Scott,
shown
in the
accompanying
illustrations.
of
W. W.
lever is pivoted so that its one extremity, c, comes into contact with
the trigger exactly as does the scear, D.
projection, A, on the other
extremity of this lever will, under certain conditions, block the tumbler, B,
In the three figures the
so as to prevent its reaching the exploding pin, E.
lock is shown cocked and ready for firing in the first ; in the second the
trigger has been pulled, and the tumbler released and struck the striker, E.
In the last it is supposed that the tumbler has been liberated by some
means other than the pulling of the trigger, and the tumbler has conseThis
quently failed to reach E, being effectually blocked by the stud A.
safety, as made, is not strong enough to be relied on implicitly.
secondary scear, working exactly as, but quite independently of, the
ordinary scear, effects the same purpose, and is used by the author on some
no way
by
MODERN SHOT
GUNS.
action.
a
top of the
"
into
trigger safety
on the
gun thrown
is
of
bolt sliding
hand of the
safe," by gearbolt on
ing with the holding-down
the opening of the gun, and re-
forward by
quiring to be pushed
the shooter before the gun can be
It requires a slot through
fired.
the hand of the stock at its weakest
dispoint, and is certainly better
pensed with.
The Greener side safety bolts
the triggers, and is independent in
its
action, although it may be
made automatic if so desired. It
is shown on page 24, and neither
weakens the stock nor detracts
from its appearance. In action it
The safety
is
most effective.
consists of a round rod which
has a flat filed upon it, the said
Scott's
itself.
The old grip safety of muzzle-loading days, of so little use because the
gun when carried is usually gripped on the safe, and the triggers consequently left free, has been resuscitated, and in several forms is used by
various gunmakers.
The "Silver" safety is on this principle, but with
gearing so modified that not only are the triggers bolted, but the scears
and tumblers also, as they are all unbolted immediately the gun is
grasped.
With the muzzle-loaders a shoulder safety bolt was also used somemovable heel-plate connected by a rod with a safety
mechanism. As soon as the gun was pressed to the shoulder the triggers,
&c., were released, but as this was also the case when the gun was placed
on the ground for loading and
ramming home the charge, it was of little
times, consisting of a
use as a safety.
ANALYTICAL
43
MODERN SHOT
44
GUNS.
It
hammerless breech-loading guns, but it did not have much popularity,
has since been several times re-invented by ambitious makers.
There are various complicated mechanisms misnamed safeties, which
would require more space to describe than they merit, and they should
all sportsmen who regard their own
certainly be studiously avoided by
safety and that of their companions.
The dimensions and shape of the gun stock have been discussed
and at present there is
amongst sportsmen and gunmakers for many years,
no definite authority for having the gun stock shaped to any of the
prevalent fashions.
The measures of the gun stock, including the bend^i the gun, are of the
utmost importance to the user of the gun, and must suit his particular
i.e.,
Take a
wood
piece of
the barrels
ANALYTICAL.
-45
object
admit of a proper aim being easily taken, and the amount will
vary according to the build and physique of the person for whom the gun is constructed.
BALANCE. This is always to be measured from the breech ends of the
barrels.
It is best to balance the
gun on thin string.
The Horn
Gun
before
stocks,
modifications of these
two
hand stock, and it moreover prevents the fourth finger of the right
hand from being bruised by the back of the trigger-guard.
The horn guard is much used by some Continental sportsmen, and the
German gunmakers particularly, fashion it into an ornamental fitting for
pistol
gun or
rifle.
MODERN SHOT
GUNS.
ANALYTICAL.
47
The lengths of the gun stock from fore trigger to toe and heel will
regulate the angle of the butt, and the cast off'will throw the butt over a
little, so that unless the butt were rounded or champfered, its edge only
would touch against the shoulder. The amount of champfer required will
depend upon the amount of cast off, and the build of the person for whom
gun is intended. Dr. W. F. Carver always shoots with a heelplate not
i.e., very much shorter to centre than to the extremionly much hollowed
but also champfered so as to fit squarely against the muscles of his
ties
shoulder.
Many shooters will find it more comfortable to shoot with a
gun having the butt so rounded or sloped than with the usual butt, which
the
is
straight.
it
With the usual English gun stock, put up in the usual manner,
be found that about one-third of the upper part of the butt projects.
will
48
MODERN SHOT
GUNS.
ANALYTICAL,
49
to get
it is
possible
MODERN SHOT
5o
GUNS.
above the shooter, and has no bearing against the shoulder. This leaves
the sharp, narrow toe to steady the gun and to take the recoil.
With the rational stock the face of the shooter will be resting upon the
stock when the bump or heel has reached a level of the shoulder, and the
whole of the butt will find a bearing in the hollow of the shooter's shoulder.
"
"
The bend of the gun will, with the rational stock, be about 2.\ inch
at heel, i J at comb, and if midway between heel and comb.
In the rational stock the wood is left thicker at the toe, and thinner
than usual at the heel. This enables the shooter more easily to get his gun
with the large heel and thick comb the stock often
catches against the shoulder, &&& jumps afterwards to the position from
which it is fired. It is believed that by reversing the taper of the butt the
gun will invariably be brought with greater certainty and speed to its
proper bearing at the shoulder.
The rational gun stock also, instead of being straight from trigger bow
This reaching of the
to toe, is arched slightly near the end of the grip.
stock is a very modified form of pistol grip, and allows not only of a firmer
and easier grip being taken, but also permits the elbow to fall lower and to
a more natural position when the gun is at the shoulder and about
The gun stock must be so fashioned that the butt shall be
to be fired.
at a right angle, or nearly so, to the barrels, and the gun will stand with the
barrels almost perpendicular.
Some, however, prefer that the gun when
stood upright shall be such that the sight and the centre of the butt shall be
in a plumb-line.
The cast off, as already explained, is the lateral deviation of the stock
from the common axis of the barrels. This permits of the barrels being
into proper position
more
readily aligned.
In the gun with the cheek-piece the cast off of the gun is almost, and frequently quite annulled by the projection on the left side of the stock called
the cheek-piece.
From the dotted lines in the illustration indicating the full centre it will
be seen that the stock has an advantage to the right, but this advantage is
compensated for by the projecting cheek-piece, which at the centre of the
stock actually projects beyond the true line.
The use for and necessity of cast off will at once become apparent on
an examination of the next illustration, showing a gun so cast over that it
may be aligned from the right shoulder with the left eye. This kind of
stock serves a very useful purpose.
Unfortunately, too many shooters lose
the sight of the right eye from some
mishap when using their guns, and to
such a gun with a stock of this description is an absolute necessity.
But
more than one style of stock has been devised for these sportsmen, and the
second model shown is of the two to be preferred ; it is quite as handy and
strong, and gives the same shaped comb at the same angle as an ordinary
stock.
The " Monopeian " gun comes into this same category, although
the result obtained is not
by bending over or so fashioning the stock that
ANALYTICAL.
Gun Stock
with Cheek
Piece.
left
MODERN SHOT
52
the
is
GUNS.
left eye may see over to the rib and align the gun, but the sight
brought out to the left side of the left barrel, and an additional
"
Monopeian
Showell, and
"
is
gun, which
is
to the shot
appliance
by any combination of
steel springs,
ANALYTICAL,
53
Bent Stock
54
To
trigger may
inflated cover, or
an
guard
may be worn
Fore-ends.
forefinger.
Occasionally the third finger is bruised by the back
of the bow of the trigger-guard, and it may also be protected by a guard, or
a leather, horn, or other stop may be fitted to the trigger-bow.
The sight of the Shot Gun is of little importance ; no gun certainly
looks complete without one.
To some the Gilbert Shooting Corrector will
upon the
prove advantageous.
The finish of a gun, although generally meant to understand the
amount of ornamentation in the way of chequering and gloss upon the
wood-work, in reality means something of much greater importance.
The well-finished gun will not only have a beautiful exterior, but the
barrels, every piece of the mechanism, every bolt, pin, and screw, will
not only be perfectly fitted and well polished, but so placed as to be
of actual service.
will
ANALYTICAL.
55
moment.
Sometimes
it is
may be
For
it
Cheek Pad.
this
slings made, but it is neater to have soldered upon the barrel and screwed
into the stock a swivel for a flat strap, or an eye ; if the latter, a swivel
will
GUN
ITS
Swivel
make
DEVELOPMENT
"
all
"
for Flat
Sling.
making are dealt with at length, and a perusal will convince any reader
that a gun is not an article that can be
produced for a guinea the present
price of ajcommodity sold for and commonly known as a " gun."
SECTION
IV.
TECHNICAL,
CALIBRE.
breech-loading sporting Shot Gun is made in the following gauges
28-diameter of the interior of the barrel being -550 inch, 24-bore -579,
2o-bore 615, 'i6-bore '662 inch, i4-bore '693, i2-bore 729, lo-bore 775,
The nomenclature by
8-bore '835, 4-bore 1*052, 2 -bore 1*325 inch.
"
"
bore used by gunmakers is based upon the size of the bullet mould.
A mould casting fourteen spherical bullets to the pound would be a fourteen-mould ; the barrel that bullet would fit would be a fourteen-bore. The
The calibre
gauge is determined by the size of the cartridge cases.
accurately means the diameter, but the three terms are commonly used
THE
indiscriminately.
WEIGHT.
28-gauge double gun with 26-inch barrels should weigh under 4^1bs. ;
a 24-gauge with 28-inch barrels should weigh 4 jibs. ; a 2o-gauge with
3o-inch barrels should weigh sjlbs. ; with 28-inch barrels 5jlbs. ; with
26-inch barrels 5lbs. ; with 24-inch barrels, and built as a miniature weapon,
4lbs. I20ZS. ; a i6-gauge with 3o-inch barrels may weigh 6flbs., and be made
a powerful weapon, but 6 Jibs, is the full average weight; if with 28-inch
barrels 6J or even 61bs. ; with 25-inch barrels, and built as a miniature
The fourteen-gauge is seldom used; if with 3o-inch
gun, slbs. 2ozs.
barrels a double gun should weigh 6flbs., with 28-inch barrels 6Jlbs., and
a miniature i4-bore gun with 24-inch barrels should weigh 5lbs. 10 ozs.
The i2-gauge ordinary game gun with 3o-inch barrels should weigh 7lbs.,
not over ; if with extra full choke-bored barrels, and intended for use
with full loads, 7lbs.; the i2-gauge 30-inch or 3i-inch, for pigeon shooting,
for heavy loads, shore shooting and general
7^-lbs. ; the i2-gauge 32
utility gun from 7f to Slbs. ; the light i2-gauge game gun, with 28 or 30
inch barrels, 6flbs. ; the short-barrelled covert
gun, 6|lbs. ; the miniature
i2-gauge gun, with 27-inch barrels, and every part proportionately reduced,
The
lo-gauge 3o-inch general Trap and Duck gun S^lbs. ; with 32-inch
duck shooting especially, 9lbs. with 32 or 33-inch barrels, for
heavy charges in long paper or brass cases, 10 to lo^lbs. ; light shortbarrelled 10 bores for
making a large killing circle at moderate ranges, and
for use with large shot,
7f Ibs.
The 8-gauge from 12 to 15 Ibs., the 4-gauge from 15 to iSlbs., the
There is also the miniature 8-gauge, with 32-inch
2-gauge 1 8 to 2olbs.
barrels, nibs.
barrels for
TECHNICAL.
57
SHOOTING.
Shooting is technically the pattern and penetration of the gun at a
certain distance with a certain charge.
Gunmakers invariably shoot at
a 3o-inch circle at 40 yards distant from the butt of the gun, and would
L. 200, R. 195.
That is to say,
technically state a gun's shooting thus
that the gun with the standard charge for its gauge has made, or is required
to make, an average pattern of 200 pellets with the left, and 195 with the
right, inside
is
The
GAUGE.
MODERN SHOT
58
GUNS.
vided for by their rules and regulations, and were it not for constant
that the gun of 1888 would be proved with the
agitation, it is very possible
1
charge and kind of explosive ordered for that of 868. Fortunately, there are
some gunmakers who, noticing new inventions or the introduction of new
of the Proof House rules and
explosives, clamour for such alterations
charges as will meet the case.
The new rules of proof which have just come into operation provide
for a more efficient test of shot guns and sporting rifles, and there is every
reason to believe that guns proved under the new scale will be safe with
the standard charge of any sporting gunpowder.
As to breech-loading shot guns, the barrels shall be twice proved, the
first proof being only a provisional test of the barrel tubes, the second, or
definitive proof, after the breech action and barrels have been properly
shaped and
fitted
and finished
filing.
The bullets of soft lead of the specific gravity of 11-352, and for rifled
choke-bore barrels are conical in form, and of a diameter nt more
than '005 of an inch less than the muzzle diameter of the barrel.
The shot used shall be of soft lead, and the size No. 6. The wads of
solid felt, and not exceeding in thickness one diameter of the bore
one
wad only over powder and one over bullet.
The marks of proofs are stamped upon the barrels in accordance with
the following rule
Shot guns and rifled choke-bore shot guns have the
provisional proof mark struck on the round of the barrel near the breech
end, and the definitive proof mark and view mark shall be impressed upon
the barrel above the provisional proof mark, and if the barrel be constructed with a patent breech, or with a
breech-loading action, or with a
breech block or chamber, the view mark shall be also
impressed upon the
patent breech, breech-loading action, shoe, breech block, or chamber, with
which the barrel is connected.
On double breech-loaders, the barrels for which have been submitted
:
TECHNICAL.
for provisional proof before
shall be impressed upon the
59
all smooth-bore and choke-bored barrels, from 4 to 10 gauge incluthe gauge shall be divided into three parts, and be marked accordthus the divisions of gauge 8 would be marked 8, 8-1, 8-2 ; from
ingly
to 17 inclusive, the gauges shall be divided into two parts, thus divisions
of gauge 12 would be 12, 12-1; all lesser gauges shall be marked as set
forth in the schedule hereto.
In all smooth-bore and choke-bored breechloading barrels the gauge size of the barrel shall be taken at a point nine
inches from the breech end.
In all other barrels the gauge size shall be
taken at the muzzle.
On choke-bored barrels the additional mark " Choke " shall be im"
"
shall be impressed
pressed, and on rifled choke-bored barrels the letter
" R. CHOKE."
immediately preceding the work Choke, thus
All barrels of 10 gauge or less, having chambers of three inches or
longer, shall be proved with one-sixth more powder than the ordinary
In
sive,
definitive
marked
thus,
with safety.
MODERN SHOT
6o
GUNS.
Two-bore and other extra large guns have special marks stamped upon
them.
The barrels of rifled choke-bore guns are proved with double the
quantity of powder, and one and one-half the weight of lead of the service
charge (fourth column of adjoined scale).
Herewith are examples of the proof marks of Birmingham and London,
as impressed upon shot gun-barrels.
The marks only, not the figures, will
be found also on the breech actions.
R. Choke
"E.G. "5 2.
The above marks of the London Proof House signify that the barrel has
been twice proved, that the diameter of the barrel is 740 of an inch, that the
chamber is more than three inches long, that the barrel is rifled and chokebored, and has been proved as required for that description of boring, and
that the barrel has also been tested with a granulated gun cotton known as
"E.G." gunpowder, of which the standard charge to be used in the gun is
52 grains, or
less.
The marks
of a
declaration.
TECHNICAL.
SCALE OF PROOF FOR MUZZLE-LOADING SHOT GUNS.
ll
MODERN SHOT
62
GUNS.
Box.
of
Number
TECHNICAL.
SCALE OF PROOF FOR BREECH-LOADING SHOT GUNS (continued].
Box.
of
Number
MODERN SHOT
64
GUNS.
The
barrels
Belgian
made
proof-mark
in Belgium,
i2-bore gun, fired with 2\ drams of powder and one ounce of shot,
one inch from the breech, 1,448
Ibs. at 2| inches from the breech, and 916 Ibs. at six inches from the
breech.
The usual sporting charge of 3 drams and i ozs. gives 2,090 Ibs. at i inch,
gives 1,640 Ibs. pressure/^r square inch at
1,796 at 2f inches, and 1,046 at 6 inches from the breech, whilst the not
unusually heavy i2-bore charge of 4 drams and i| ozs. gives 3,770 Ibs. at i
inch, 3,210 at 2f inches, and 1,321 at 6 inches from the breech
more than
"
"
Schultze
70,000 Ibs. pressure on the barrel.
Equal measure of
gunpowder gives less pressure upon the barrel at the first distance ; but more
at the other distances with
heavy charges. The charge of 3 drams (42
grains) and i^ozs. gives 1,850 Ibs. at
6 inches.
With charges up to and
i inch,
1,910 at 2-* inches, and 1,067 at
including 3 drams and i oz. the Schultze
gives less pressure than does black gunpowder, but with heavier charges it
gives increased pressure at 2f and 6 inches ; but with all charges gives less
pressure at i inch from the breech than does the proportionate charge of
TECHNICAL.
65
The
following
powder usually
in shot guns.
At
Powder.
C&HNo. 6
C&HNo.4
C & H Fine Basket
C & H No. 4
Schultze
inch.
1,634 Ibs
2,090,,
2,900,,
3,430,,
1,850,,
At 2!
inches.
548 Ibs
1,796,,
i,
2,097,,
2,385,,
i,9io,,
At 6
inches.
980
Ibs.
1,046,,
1,111,,.
1,090,,
1,067,,
These
figures were all obtained under exactly the same conditions, and
the average of many shots, and may therefore be accepted as a
standard with the 1 2-bore with same charge.
There are several things which will cause an increase on the pressure
exerted by any one charge in a barrel of any bore ; one of these is the cap.
The figures given above were registered with Eley's caps in Eley's
"
"
ordinary cases.
Many sportsmen now use the Life cases, which have
a larger and stronger cap than Eley's, and which cap affects the pressure
with Schultze powder very considerably; for instance, a 1 2-bore with 3
drams and i^ ozs. of shot gives in Eley's case a pressure of 1,850 to 1,910
Ibs., with the large cap from 1,810 to 1,895 Ibs. per square inch; with
3^ drams and i^ ozs., with Eley's cap 2,440 Ibs. to 2,680 Ibs., with the large
cap 2,730 to 2,975 Ibs. And in the 2o-bore with 2^- drams and |~oz., with
Eley's cap 1,972 Ibs. to 2,230 Ibs., and with the large cap 3,060 Ibs. to
are
3,210
Ibs.
It will
figures, to refer
to
other facts.
The figures were obtained by the same method as that employed for
registering the pressure upon the barrel with various charges and explosives
"
"
Field wad,
already referred to ; the obstruction consisting of a tight
thick felt and card wad, i^ ozs. of No. 6 Chilled Shot, and card wad over
"
the shot, measurements taken from the breech to the " Field wad. Charge
used 3 drams, and
F
ozs.
of No. 6 shot.
in
7>
6 in
inch.
1,820
1,832
1,805
1,826
1,835
1,850
At af inches.
QO7
At
6 inches.
TECHNICAL.
67
will
best
requirements.
The choke-bore
sends
its
pellets
" Life
cases, with large caps, give higher
than
do
generally
Eley's cases, whilst brass cases in guns
specially constructed for them give higher velocities than paper cases with
"
black powder, but lower with nitro-compounds than the " Life cases
with
same
the
charged
powder.
The bore of the gun affects velocity as follows
As
"
velocities
20-BORE
GUN,
velocity,
with
velocity, 738*8
ft.
shot,
shot,
average
average
per second.
velocity,
velocity,
842 '171
IO-BORE GUN,
with
average
ft.
4^ drams
and
i^ ozs.
No.
shot,
936
average
with
;
ft.
8-BORE GUN, with 6 drams of powder, paper case, and 2 J ozs. No. i
with 7 drams No. 4 powder and
shot, average velocity, 907 ft.
2- ozs. No. i shot, and brass case, average velocity, 984 feet. ; with
same load, but finer-grained powder, 945 ft. ; with same load, but
;
The
size
of the shot
F 2
MODERN SHOT
68
GUNS.
gives the actual mean velocity in feet per second of the body of the
charge of shot at the range indicated, measured by Mr. R. W. S. Griffith
summary
CHARGE.
TECHNICAL.
THE STRINGING OF A CHARGE OF SHOT.
69
-
That the pattern of a gun, as seen upon a target, does not reveal the
manner in which the pellets arrive, is a well-known fact, and the gear
necessary to exhibit more precisely the manner of the flight of the shot is
of such a cumbrous and complex nature, that it is doubtful if it will ever
or be easily understood.
the gun which shoots best must make the closest
pattern, and a pattern which reveals the least deviation of the pellets
from the common centre is also a proof that individual pellets have been
less in advance, and in rear, of the main body of shot during flight
than would have been the case had the spread upon the target been
larger.
From experiments made it has been proved that the i2-bore gun with
42 grains of Schultze powder, and 304 pellets of No. 6 shot, gives most
regular patterns, and that the regularity of the shooting is enhanced by the
barrel being properly choke-bored.
It has also been proved that a larger
charge of powder, although it increases the velocity of the shot, impairs the
Further experiments have proved that not only
regularity of the pattern.
does the choke-bore send its shot closer and more regularly, but also
more compactly.
As a matter of fact, about five per cent, of the pellets of the charge
arrive simultaneously at the target at 40 yards' distance from the gun ; these
pellets are closely followed by 25 per cent, to 30 per cent, of the pellets of
the charge if the gun be a good one, and this 30 per cent, to 40 per cent,
of the pellets represents practically the actual killing value of the shot, for
the remaining pellets flying irregularly, and at a much lower velocity, tail off
so rapidly that little reliance can be placed upon them.
The fac-simile
targets shown exhibit the usual pattern faithfully, being a photographic
reduction of the actual diagrams ; but to show accurately, and on the same
scale, the side view illustrating the pellets in flight at 60 yards from a
The
cylinder gun, would require a diagram nearly five feet in length.
annexed diagrams and table will enable those interested to calculate the
.approximate distances between the pellets of the charge at any distance.
TECHNICAL.
-a
.S.S.S
JS
a-S
as
s <
a
O
-t!
^
*S
t^
VH
N JJ
-t
buo
N
o
a
=
Q O
u ^
^
I?
o
SlL
~
|
g i
JJ
*E
"
2$ r ^r
TI
W '7
'H 00
7
M
i
'7
'S^
O
MODERN SHOT
GUNS.
TECHNICAL.
73
MODERN SHOT
74
Gun
Pattern of
at
40 Yards.
GUNS.
CHOKE-BORED Gun
40 Yards.
CHOKE-BORED Gun
Powder and
oz.
at
TECHNICAL.
| J
"Sl^
-2
&ts
oo-a
o
<a
75
MODERN SHOJ
"
'..*
.* */'.*
u?
I
ft
to-yk
&
^1
GUNS.
TECHNICAL.
77
MODERN SHOT
78
GUNS.
and with No. 8 shot will be very little more than with No. 6 at
If
at 10 yards, and 4 inches more at 15 yards.
5 yards, but 2\ inches more
the charge of powder is increased, the spread of the shot at these ranges
In a 12 -bore gun charges of more than 3^ drams do not
is increased.
range
few
is
Charge
Recoil
The
2\
drs.,
oz.
drs.,
3 drs., i| oz.
Recoil
No. 2
89
drs., \\ oz.
100
90
Shot
The
2\
80
oz.
4
90
90
3 drams and \\
5
100
6
106
3 drs., \\ oz.
06
oz.
115
106
8
106
as follows
87
86
109
slightly,
PATTERNS.
The pattern is the shown shooting of a gun, the only visible proof of a
the killing of game being in some measure dependent upon the
gun's powers
skill of the sportsman. The
pattern of a gun, besides being the most reliable
test applicable to a gun, is
To ascertain a gun's
fortunately the easiest.
for most guns
merits, roughly fire it at the largest sheet of paper obtainable
40 yards will be found the best distance. For comparative results count
the number of perforations formed in a circle 30 inches in diameter marked
upon the paper.
good close pattern is a guarantee that the gun
has sufficient force to kill at that distance.
The greater the velocity of the
mass of pellets of the charge the closer is the pattern.
No close-shooting
gun has inferior penetration, and, generally speaking, the less distant each
TECHNICAL,
79
figure of merit.
1859
MODERN SHOT
8o
GUNS.
exceptionally good.
Many that he and others have since made would
much better results than those obtained at these gun trials. To
record
The Winning
Quick Shot
cite
an instance
Company
important
Powder.
trials
public.
TECHNICAL.
81
MODERN SHOT
82
Fac simile
of
GUNS.
TECHNICAL.
83
Fac-simile of the Shooting of a Full Choke-bored Gun at 40 Yards, with 3 drams and
\\ oz, of No. 8 Shot.
G 2
MODERN SHOT
84
GUNS.
LEFT BARREL.
LEFT BARREL.
made on 2nd July,
1885, with this Gun and W. W.
GREENER'S Loaded Cartridges,
Patterns
Average
273
276
255
276
260
252
265'3
counted
in).
Average
"Field"
Staff,
Aug.
Sth, 1885
259
251
241
235
240
260
247'4
255.
This gun as should all guns shoots all first- class powders equally
At a gun trial held at Leavenworth in 1886, a Greener i2-bore gun
"
was shot with " King's Quick Shot powder, an explosive the author has
never had an opportunity of trying. The gun beat all its opponents
some were much heavier guns and of larger calibre and made a
easily
target of which the appended diagram is a fac-simile.
These diagrams have been disputed more than once, but there is overwhelming proof as to their accuracy. They have been reproduced by a
photographic process, the fidelity of which cannot be doubted.
In the specification of what a gun should be and do, the reader will
find the patterns of various guns with various charges detailed, and it
will only be necessary to add here that all patterns should be calculated
upon the average of at least twelve shots, and that the frequent recurrence
of a patchy pattern should condemn the gun.
There must be absolute
A
uniformity and regularity in pattern from a gun of the first quality.
if the
very regular pattern is to be chosen, even before a very close one
closer pattern is patchy or not always good alike.
The two preceding diagrams will give the reader an idea of the actual
closeness of pattern in the centre of the target.
The one with No. 6 shot
is equal to a
pattern of 230 in a 3o-inch circle ; the one with No. 8 is
equal to a pattern of 300 in the 30-inch circle.
well.
KILLING CIRCLES.
The
killing circle is the spread of the charge from the centre of the line
of flight.
It is apparent that the larger the killing circle and the greater
circle, scatter
The
TECHNICAL.
obtained with guns of different gauges, may be approximated by guns
any gauge by altering the load or the range, or both.
Number of pellets in
163.
Killing
circle,
about
circle
26 in.
Diagram represents
the shooting of a 28-bore gun
full-choked, at 40 yards, with
circle
I.
No. of
pellets in
circle
circle,
30 in.
This diagram represents the
shooting of a 28-bore gun
cylinder, at 20 yards with ij
285.
Killing
drams, and f
oz.
No.
similar result
7 shot.
is
attain-
Fac-simile No.
2.
Circle,
3O-in. diameter.
of
MODERN SHOT
86
GUNS.
Number of pellets in
circle,
about
This diagram represents the shooting of a 28-bore
gun, choke-bored, at 20 yards
131.
1 8 in.
distance
and f
circle
Killing
charge,
oz. of
No.
similar
J drams,
6.
pattern results
Fac-simile No.
3.
Circle,
3O-in. diameter.
Number
circle,
292.
about 25
of pellets in
Killing
circle
This diagram
represents the shooting of a
1 2 -bore
gun choke-bored
distance 20 yards ; charge, 3
drams and ij oz. No. 6 shot.
in.
Fac-simile No.
4.
Circle,
30-111.
diameter.
TECHNICAL.
No.
288.
of pellets
Killing
in
circle,
circle,
30
in.
The same
result
is
obtain-
'
;'
*:**
Number
in
pellets
I*"
Circle,
'.
**.;
30
in.
diameter.
of
circle,
Killing
250.
circle,
5.
'
35.
This
with
drams and ij
No. 6 shot.
oz.
2-bore,
Fac-simile No.
6.
Circle,
30
in.
MODERN SHOT
88
GUNS.
will
be dropped
at
will not, upon the average, put three pellets into a pigeon
30 yards distant. The cylinder gun must, therefore, be considered practically useless at this distance ; for, providing the pigeons were fairly struck,
cylinder
gun
killed
TECHNICAL.
89
The
do so
killed.
just sufficient
CHARGE.
Dram.
No.
PATTERN.
ON
\\
| No.
if
6.
...
RESULTS.
7 x 6
13
12
abled.
No. 2
40
,,
...
let in
No.
35
No. 4
No. 5
No. 6
35
if
I
|
,,
I
pelbreast, not dis-
...
...
18
Do.
...
23
35
Killed dead.
Killed dead.
disabled.
i
30
if,,
...
Do.
IGNITION.
Different
makes of cartridge
method of
MODERN SHOT
90
GUNS.
bore guns with Schultze powder, that have so astonished gunmakers and
The editor of the Field kindly experisportsmen the past two seasons.
mented to determine this question, and declared that although there was a
difference in the strength exhibited by Schultze, when fired by the larger
cap, the increase was so infinitesimal that it would not account for the
disastrous results partly attributed to
its
use.
The
SECTION
V.
PEC PICA L.
I
is
The gun
thirty inches in
The gun for pigeon shooting must be so built as to meet the rules of
the chief clubs ; in England the bore must not be larger than 12, nor the
gun heavier than 81bs. ; the charge to be used must not exceed four drams of
powder and ij ounces of shot. On the Continent and in America lo-bores
are allowed, but there is usually some restriction as to charge.
The
pigeon gun may be made with hammeraor hammerless, preferably the latter.
It should not have a trigger bolting safety, and an automatic trigger safety
for this species of gun is the greatest mistake that can be made.
The shooting required will in some measure depend upon the distance
at which the user is generally placed, it being required to have the largest
possible killing circle at one yard beyond the trap with the first barrel and
MODERN SHOT
92
GUNS.
Light guns
Even the 28-bore, generally
can be made formidable game weapons.
considered a toy, is in the hands of a good shot a serviceable sporting gun.
years of age, shot with a 28-bore of the author's
"Young Nimrod," when
make, and did remarkably well. In public pigeon matches he was placed
at 2 7 yards, and at that distance upon more than one occasion has killed
circles,
"
I had the 28-bore out for a few shots at pheasants yesterday, and I am much
pleased with it, killing eight birds in succession, and four of them at least thirty-five
yards off, flying away low, and one with the choke-barrel a very long shot we measured
it
fifty-three yards, and the bird was flying away within three yards from the ground it
fell stone dead to the
gun. I shot a hare with the right not choked barrel at thirtyfour yards as dead as a nail.
(Charge used, \\ drams black powder f oz. No. 6)."
;
Again, on February
4,
1885
" I can
only say your 28-bore gun cannot be improved upon ; its shooting is quite
I have given it a capital trial, and find it shoots as strong as a 12-bore.
first-class.
Of
course you have to lay on straight, then I defy any gun to shoot harder ; it has had a
really
trial."
have
am
SPRCIFICAL.
93
efficient
whilst for boys about to commence shooting, the 28-or 24-bore double is to
be preferred to the single gun. They are, of course, more expensive ; to
build them well requires more care and a greater outlay than the build ing of
be obtained.
There are some sportswomen who can shoot well with almost any gun,
just as there are men who use guns of divers bends and weights indifferently,
but to most ladies the question of recoil is an important one.
The author,
having had more experience in the building of guns for ladies' use than
perhaps any other English gunmaker, can confidently assert that the gun
possessing the essentials he is about to enumerate will prove more effectual
to
MODERN SHOT
94
GUNS.
burn 3 drams of
gauge, twenty inches of its length will satisfactorily
in fact, that the
powder, and propel \\ ounces of shot at a high velocity
i2-bore gun is "too much gun" for the charge of 3 drams and \\
ounces, that is to say, there is too much gun in proportion to the
charge of powder than absolutely necessary ; for ordinary game shooting
the i2-bore with 25 inches will shoot this charge as well as it need
be shot. By carefully reducing the i2-bore gun, however, in barrels,
breech-action, locks, and stock, a miniature gun is produced from one
to one-and-a-half pounds lighter than the normal i2-bore, and shooting
the standard i2-bore charge nearly as well as the ordinary i2-bore choke
gun does. These miniature guns require great care, and very considerable
tact to be exercised in their manufacture, and it is quite impossible for any
maker without practical experience to produce perfect weapons of this
The 27-inch barrels will be found to permit of better marksmanship
kind.
than shorter barrels, and, consequently, unless there is a good reason for
Aldoing so, guns should not be made with barrels shorter than 27 inches.
though they are sometimes made lighter than 5 \ Ibs., it is only at a sacrifice
of strength.
reliable gun with breech ends of the barrels of the ordinary
thickness can be made as light as 5f Ibs., below which it is inadvisable to go.
miniature i2-bore gun, therefore, will always command a fair price,
and can never be made in the cheapest grades. It must fire 3 drams
and \\ ounces to perfection, and without appreciable recoil a larger charge
cannot be used with comfort balance and handle perfectly ; every part
being reduced from the ordinary i2-bore gun size, it must stand the heavy
wear and tear of the hardest season, and yet be perfectly safe.
This is the weapon Birmingham has produced, and its many advantages
will commend it to those sportsmen whose work is not such as lies
beyond
the capabilities of three drams of powder and i^ ounces of shot.
The Miniature Gun is much to be preferred to the Single Gun, a
The double is now con
species of shot gun quickly falling into disuse.
structed so light that a Single Gun, if made lighter, would recoil unbearably.
:
It is for
used.
duck guns and large-bore rifles that the single barrel is mostly
heavy barrels of 4-bore, side by side, are more than the hand
Two
many
large shot.
i4lbs., and is an
for shore shooting.
"
"
duck gun to any
light 8-bore gun is much to be preferred as a
lo-bore gun.
The Duck Gun, for use from the shoulder, recommended by
excellent
weapon
SPECIFICAL.
MODERN SHOT
GUNS.
the
The cheapest
breech-loading
for wild-fowling is
gun
These
made on
^"30
in 8-bore,
to
^35
if
The newest
less,
bolt.
and from
20
4-bore.
style is
hammer-
speed,
neater
is
safer
in
and
stronger,
appearance,
many ways
is
better
and
is
in
than the
It is
double-grip hammer gun.
more expensive, costing, when
well made, not less than ^30,
and in best quality, ^45.
All wild-fowling guns should
be specially
SPECIFICAL.
97
possess
more
strongly,
atmosphere do not
much
better in proportion
With a first -class i2-bore it is possible to get patterns of 255 in a 30inch circle at 40 yards, and with the same charge ; and a lo-bore gun it is not
often a better pattern is made, and 275 is certainly an excellent average
for a zo-bore duck gun, with the
When
lo-bore standard charge.
shooting large shot, the lo-bores show a more marked superiority over the
1
2-bores.
98
MODERN SHOT
GUNS.
SPECIFICAL.
Fac- simile
99
shot.
MODERN SHOT
ioo
GUNS.
gun
of a
good 4-bore
is
The
peculiar
requires
however, will not hesitate to procure such books as "The Gun and its
"
Development," the volume Moor and Marsh," of the Badminton Library,
in all of
which
abolished.
THE
little
Charge
powder.
\\
*32
i
| oz. No. 8
Schultze f oz. No. 6
| oz. No. 6
\ drams
Over-loaded.
barrels,
which
will require
but
3o-inch
Pattern.
drams
grs.
DO.
Cardboard
Mean
penetration.
velocity.
150
124
130
Force
at impact.
13
705
o 66
22
940
720
1*87
17
1*96
The weight should not be less than 4, nor more than 4f Ibs. Recoil
60 Ibs. The 28-bore must not be loaded with i oz. of shot, as is too often
done.
This calibre especially is too frequently much over-loaded. The
28-bore must be used with brass cases
is
desired.
if
SPECIFICAL.
101
THE 24- BORE is but little used; it comes about midway in pattern,
penetration, recoil, &c., between the 28 and 20-bore.
THE 20-BORE is the smallest bore sought after by the general sportsman
a gun of 5^ Ibs. weight, and with 28-inch barrels, may be taken as repre;
AT FORTY YARDS.
Charge.
MODERN SHOT
102
GUNS.
should average
AT FORTY YARDS.
Charge.
SPECIFICAL.
103
constructed for them require great attention, or they will not shoot at
all
regularly.
To make the i2-bore gun a more powerful shooter than its calibre
warrants has long exercised the ingenuity of inventors.
The Lancaster
concentrator for increasing the range of guns was one of the earliest and
perhaps one of the best of devices for the purpose, and has enabled long
shots at wild fowl, with small and other bore guns, to prove efficacious
where otherwise they would not have been so. The wire cartridge tended
to still further concentrate the shot, and at ordinary ranges the charge too
often fled as a bullet.
John's Shrapnell shell is one of the latest attempts to make a cylinderbored shot gun efficient at very long ranges. The adjoining illustration
shows this shell in both its forms.
The
The
MODERN SHOT
IO4
GUNS.
that the length of spindle tells, and by the time the spindle is withdrawn
from the shell the pellets have all acquired their own path, and cease to
120 yards a circle four feet in diameter should include
jostle each other ; at
the whole of the pattern.
Owing to the temporary locking of the spindle
the spherical shell has a minimum range of 90 yards that is to say, it flies
as a bullet for that distance, but it is effective at from 95 to 140 yards.
:
The
cylinder bored.
buckshot gun
SPECIFICAL.
105
add the names of Capt. Ike Dyer and Capt. Jas. Y. Webb, of Minden, La.,
would
who were the first to test the qualities of this gun after I received it.
It is a very great advantage to have a breech-loader doing such extraordinary shooting
with buckshot, and at the same time proving a very fine gun with small shot.
I have no doubt that W. W. Greener, of St. Mary's Square, Birmingham, England,
could duplicate this gun for any one who may desire to get the best deer gun which has
been manufactured during this century.
Not long since, in the presence of a number of cadets of the Thatcher Military
Institute, of Shreveport, I fired with buckshot at a 3-in. circle, 90 yards distant, and
A deer would have been struck with
struck it with three shots, one grazing the centre.
also
GEO. D. ALEXANDER.
SHOT-GUNS AS BALL-GUNS.
will
MODERN SHOT
GUNS.
SPECIFICAL.
07
Gun
barrels,
weapons, although they will not shoot shot as closely and regularly as a
true choke-bore, nevertheless perform up to the average, and are accurate
with bullets at short ranges.
Weapons of this nature should be considered
rather as rifles specially constructed for shot than as shot-guns for ball.
The Government Proof-House Regulations require that such weapons be
proved as rifles that is to say, tested with ball.
As already stated, the concentrator occasionally acts as a bullet, and
the Shrapnell shell may be used as one by turning over the wire spindle.
Choke-bore guns may be used as ball-guns, providing that the bullet to
be fired will pass easily through the muzzle, and it may be interesting to
sportsmen to know that choke-bore guns shoot ball QUITE AS WELL as guns
bored perfect cylinders.
Especially is this of interest to those who use but
one gun, and have often the chance of a shot or two at big game. Gunmakers and sportsmen alike have been misled by the proof marks ; on all
"
choke-bores " Not for ball has been imprinted.
Another point to be noticed is, that when one barrel be modified choke
or cylinder, // is only necessary to iise the one-sized ball, the larger bored
the ball
is
is
desired.
MODERN SHOT
io8
the perfectly
choked gun
and conical
GUNS.
bullets
with accuracy to
100
yards.
oval bore rifle, if the spiral be not too sharp, will throw shot
well at ordinary ranges, but a still better weapon than either of
and
closely
these is the Choke-bore rifle, in which a rifle with modern shallow grooving
is choke-bored at the muzzle (Greener's Patent) and has a perfectly smooth
The
surface throughout
its
entire length.
made
in 20, 16,
The
they offer many advantages, and as a second rifle they fill a need which
many a hunter of large game, pioneer, and explorer has often felt.
Wherever large game is occasionally to be met with, they form the best
armament of the sportsman.
It will shoot spherical bullets with a large charge of powder, and will
therefore commend itself to many who desire a second weapon for use
against buffalo or the pachydermata.
cartridges
is
rifle-barrel
considerable.
The heavy
rifle-barrel
to
No.
musket-case
the last-named
is
most
in favour in the
all
far preferable to
also
rifle
Cape
Colonies.
be employed, but we do
SECTION
VI.
CRITICAL,
THE CHOICE OF
THE
it is
A GUN.
to
be used.
For general sporting purposes the all-round weapon for use in any
country is the i2-gauge gun with 30-inch barrels, weighing 7 Ibs.
In Section V. is specified the kind of gun required for any one
particular sport, and the following remarks will enable the sportsman to
determine what particular gun, of the kind already determined upon, will
best suit him.
The criticisms and conclusions of the author will be found
applicable to guns of all gauges, and for all purposes other than wildfowling.
gunmaker
to
unless there
is
MODERN SHOT
no
GUNS.
established reputation, unless you have very strong reasons for going elseThe author does not for one moment wish it to be thought that
where.
good guns are built alone by those makers whose names are household
words with shooting men, but it is more probable that the inexperienced
gun buyer
will
than that he
maker.
will
Even
is
after deciding
practically illimitable,
critical abilities.
Should he have
is
composed, as already
and of each of
them.
Belgian imitations, he can have no hesitation in giving the written guarantee required ; but it must be remembered that a reference to the proof
mark will not reveal the gun's origin. Belgian barrels have been worked
up by incompetent English gunmakers to the great detriment of the reof laminated steel and Damascus barrels generally, and this
putation
practice
may
CRITICAL.
Steel barrels, even of the best quality, will not stand heavier charges
than the best barrels of English laminated steel, nor do they show any
superiority over best Damascus or laminated steel barrels in any way.
They offer certain advantages to gunmakers which it is not the object of
this
book
to disclose.
way of
it
bears.
of lock mechanism will be safe from accidental discharge, providing the lock mechanism has been made and fitted
MODERN SHOT
112
GUNS.
and experienced man, and the work done carefully with the
price, therefore, of the weapon will be a guarantee of
weapon on this point. In the choice of breech mechanism
Side and bottom levers will not
a top lever will certainly be decided upon.
be chosen, save for very special purposes or to accommodate a sportsman
by an
intelligent
best material.
the safety of the
The
The top lever so conhabituated to this form of lever from long use.
veniently placed enables even the most determined adherent to any other
form of lever quickly and comfortably to manipulate the breech mechanism.
As to holding-down bolts and cross or grip bolts, the number and position
Parts of a
Hammerless Breech-Action.
of the barrel lugs, the sportsman will stipulate for two binding and wellbottom lumps or lugs, substantial in size, and the back lump so
shaped as to correspond with the circular front of the slot in which it is
embedded, and so well fit that when the gun is closed and fired this back
portion of the lump shall take part of the strain as well as the hinge pin.
This method of fitting the barrels to the breech mechanism is technically
termed " jointing on the circle," and the accompanying illustration will convey a better idea of its nature than any verbal description.
The need of a larger number of barrel-lugs situated under the barrels
has never been made manifest, although some gunmakers put four instead
of two.
Certain descriptions of guns, by reason of the arrangement of
other mechanism, may, however, cause the number and position of the
bottom barrel lumps to be other than these described as generally advisable.
It is the mere multiplication of these lumps for the sake of
intricacy that
he author wishes to warn sportsmen against.
fitted
CRITICAL.
113
Guns very carefully built and carefully used with moderate charges
have withstood even continual wear for years without other bolts than the
"
"
ordinary double holding-down, or, as it is sometimes called,
Purdey
a
is
sound
it
advisable
have
to
connection
bolt; but, generally speaking,
top
between the barrels and the breech-action. It is always safer to have such
a
fitting,
and
in
some
to be of real service,
cases
it is
a positive necessity.
The top connection,
not a sham, not a make-believe
;
more
or less
MODERN SHOT
H4
GUNS.
and
standing breech,
at the top.
No.
in the illustration
made
(the editor of the Field)
of powders on gun actions.
some experiments
The author
Experimental Breech-Action.
attached
(b) on the break-off and the screw-clip (a a)
a piece of silver paper can be strained, so that when any
separation between the barrels and the breech-action takes place, during
an explosion, the paper breaks.
Both barrels are loaded equally, after
which one is fired with the bolt in, and then, supposing no breakage occurs,
the bolt is removed and the other barrel is discharged.
"
" we found
Experimenting in this way," writes the editor of the Field,
that in Mr. Greener's action no breakage occurred ; with the bolt in
position, the paper remained intact up to the last." With sixty-five grains oi
Schultze powder and with seven drams of Curtis and Harvey's No. 3, therewas a slight breakage of the paper (the top bolt being out), and with 75
Schultze powder, " there was not only complete breakage of paper, but
to the barrels
CRITICAL.
\ 1
such a permanent opening of the breech of the gun as to stop the experiment."
Mr. J. H. Walsh, in his work " The Modern Sportsman's Gun and Rifle,'
writes in flattering terms of this action, whose advantages he was one of
the first to demonstrate, and it is now even acknowledged by contemporary
7
gunmakers
It
is
far
and
lasting
power
to
the double-grip
double 4-bore and a double 8-bore were made on this, the top
cross-bolt, principle, in 1874, for Mr. G. P. Sanderson, superintendent of
the Government Elephant Keddahs, Decca.
They have been in continual
use ever since, firing 2-oz. bullets with 12 drams and 4-oz. bullets with
1 6 drams of
powder, "hundreds of times," and to quote Mr. Sanderson,
action.
"
the breech-actions are as sound and close as when they left the factory
These rifles are still in use, and doing excellent
nearly ten years ago."
service.
rifle-maker of
their
HAMMER OR HAMMERLESS.
The
signal
for
n6
MODERN SHOT
GUNS.
bearing upon the subject, but divert into side issues the attention of
and so keep the main question unsettled. It is this way with the
sportsmen,
"
"Choke introduced in .1874, and with hammerless guns.
The leaders of the fashion in shooting circles and the accepted authorities upon gunnery beg to differ, and sportsmen are left in doubt as to the
The would-be gun critics
merits or disadvantages of any vaunted novelty.
are too often better judges of dogs than of guns, and with no accepted
standard of what a gun should be or do the dictum of an ignoramus will
occasionally pass as a pearl of wisdom.
One shooting newspaper has quite recently discovered that choke-bore
guns are all a mistake, and advances ten years after their introduction the
very same arguments which were advanced and disproved in the last decade.
So is it with hammerless guns. We find Mr. Walsh, the well-known
editor of the Field, writing that "the hammerless gun is the superior in
The hammerless gun is, I think, to be
point of safety and efficiency.
On the other hand, in the Badminton Library, we find the
preferred."
assembled and aggregate wisdom of the leading shooting men of Great
.
"
Britain, as written by their deputy, to be
They (hammerless guns) are
as
at
first
and
easier
to load than are hammer guns,
not,
maintained, quicker
and are liable to damage ; " and a page is devoted to prove that hammerless
:
guns are not any improvement upon hammered guns. The last sentence,
"
As we, however, believe that hammerless are
however, commences,
Even the
unquestionably the guns of the future, we have depicted," &c.
most prejudiced against hammerless guns cannot convince themselves of the
equality even of the hammered gun.
There is often a cause for this prejudice. The sportsman with a pair of
old guns, and on the look-out for new ones, is absolutely without prejudice.
He goes to his gunmaker, a most worthy and honest man doubtless, who
has served him and his friends well for years, and he accepts the
notions of his gunmaker.
The gunmaker may have ^15,000 worth of
hammered guns, old stock, and no interest in any good new hammerless
gun ; or he has not invented, or introduced, or recommended choke- boring,
and he is hearty in his denunciations of the " fads of Brummagem." This
opinion is passed on. Our dog-breeders, editors, and authoritative sportsmen call on this gunmaker and find it easier to pass on his opinion than
form one for themselves.
But the gunmaker's stock gets older and mustier, and as its value
decreases his denunciations become more fierce and worthless, and this is
how it comes that old diatribes are reiterated year after year, when the
value of the invention itself has
long been proved beyond all question.
The greater number of gunmakers more or less readily take up a
novelty,
making
CRITICAL.
117
loudly declaiming against the novelty whilst they do so ; then push their
modified form of the novelty.
If the newspaper critic is inspired by this
"
gunmaker, he writes for hammerless guns ; if by Old Stock," the gunIf he uses the guns, he writes in praise of the
seller, against them.
new weapons.
Having detailed
much
author
criticism, the
will
proceed to state
sportsman
will
The top
Grant's, with side lever ; and Allport's, with the double-grip lever.
lever will doubtless have the preference, and here there is abundant choice.
All guns cocking by means of mechanism geared or in any way connected
with or dependent upon the motion of the top breech-action lever for
will be at once rejected.
Because
does not snap " home," and because
it is
it
is
open.
will
be rejected
all
that,
ist,
be applied.
will fulfil
every requirement
MODERN SHOT
u8
GUNS.
gunmaker
to
locks
quarter of the globe, and is recommended by all who have made use of it.
It stands at the present time at the head of
sporting guns, the nearest to
perfection.
"The absence of hammers makes the gun very convenient, especially for covert
shooting, to which I cannot speak too highly of its superiority combined with safety and
ease of manipulation.
"GERALD L. GOODLAKE, Col."
"
The hammerless guns you made for me about four years ago have stood remarkably
well ; they have never been out of order ; the locks have never been taken off ; neither
" GRANARD."
has the safety-bolt been taken out or cleaned.
"
neat,
I like
too,
is
very
CRITICAL.
19
'
For speed the self-acting Ejector gun is ahead of all magazine or repeating shot-guns, and not only can it be fixed more quickly, but it is free
from any liability to jam when rapidly manipulated, whilst the repeating
mechanism of shot-guns is more prone to "jam" than the mechanism of
a rifle, owing to the use of paper cartridge cases, turned down to various
lengths.
MODERN SHOT
120
GUNS.
THE QUESTION OF
PRICE.
The
sportsman,
best
hammered
will
be worthless.
Through twenty-six
requisite to
CRITICAL,
121
constructed be superior to that of the best gun. Common guns always give
way first in the small details a pin works loose or breaks, and as soon as it
is replaced in one place it gives way in another, whereas a best
gun, like
"
The One-Hoss Shay," breaks up altogether when it does go. If you want
to enjoy sport, have a best gun ; if you must shoot, and do not mind when,
take an ordinary gun ; it will fail you when you have a first-rate chance to
bag game, but the best gun is always good alike, and thirty seasons' hard
wear will leave it as good as new for all practical purposes.
:
HOW TO DETECT A
SPURIOUS GUN.
A man may be
and yet be
column open
It
United States, that he cannot for shame offer for sale in his own country or
any British colony. The Boers are a race of sportsmen, but it is of no use
offering them rubbishing weapons at any price, and the author can hardly
"
export guns,
trap designated by the Suhl or Liege maker as
providing
the would-be purchaser could or would discriminate between a serviceable
and an unserviceable weapon. In the United States there are two classes
3'
of guns made.
The machine-made trade gun, the sale of which is vigorThe better-class gun, made by some
ously pushed at every opportunity.
American-born or emigrant gunsmith, whose production is limited and
sales unimportant.
An American gun, at about three times the price
of the American machine-made gun, will be a superior weapon in every
to the machine-made gun, but be sure that it is of American make,
Of
imported -guns are sold as of any make, just as there is a demand.
imported guns there are three classes the real trade gun, rubbish ; the
legitimate trade gun ; English or foreign guns, made sound and well
way
for
MODERN SHOT
122
GUNS.
and give
by a responsible maker, who will put his own name upon them,
as good quality as the price given by the importer will allow ; the fine gun,
the bond fide production of an English maker of reputation, and imported
to special order, or for sale only by the special agent of the maker in
In America, however,
dealer.
question, or some honest and enterprising
In
dealers are very loth to keep in stock the fine guns of any maker.
in France, Germany, Austria,
the
on
Continent,
especially
England,
Russia, and Italy, where the sportsmen are more discriminating and
and
exacting, there is always a choice of twenty different grades of guns,
the sportsman can appraise the addiespecially in France and Germany
The Ameritional amount spent in bettering the quality of the weapon.
not
cannot
or
will
discriminate
colonial
and
sportsmen,
can,
very many
between the first and second classes, and are slow even to see the
difference between the second and third.
Now, nothing should be more
easy than to distinguish the good gun from rubbish ; the third from the
first
to.
one which
has been gradually
one
rests
contortions are astonishing ; 8th, the barrels are bright inside, but it is not
the brightness of a silvered mirror, rather the brightness of a leaden bullet ;
the action body is barely touched
9th, there is no close fitting of any part
by the barrels, the holding-down bolt is a crooked article in a crooked
hole, the fore-end will drop from the gun when it is fired, or will want
"
" wide
all your strength to
get it off, and the
may be seen wherever
joint
two pieces come together; loth, the engraving is a series of ill-shapen,
deeply-cut furrows, cross-harrowed with meaningless scratches; nth, the
balance is bad, and the gun heavy ; 1 2th, the stock worse than that of an
"
army musket, having traces of file-teeth," and exhibiting that rough open
:
oily gloss
cannot hide
CRITICAL.
123
1 3th, the
butt-plate, an ornamental sporting or other design made of
stamped rubber.
Such is the "export gun." If
its
gun
fail
to
trally
will
go
or
short,
;
On
not.
the
shots,
trial
may
it
this
is
rectified
be found
that
the
then it
other
open
this is altered.
The main-
new mainspring
fitted
this
is
too
complete new
hammer drops
is
drop asunder,
owing to having been soldered
with sal - ammoniac,
together
which, from its chemical action,
destroys barrels and solder. Thus
the cheap gun costs more in
repairs in one season than a good
class
hammers
in
to match, in having
MODERN SHOT
124
GUNS.
midway between the barrels. When Damascus barrels are used, the
up in price, and the weapon reaching a serviceable standard. Next,
the barrels are straight, the stock harder and more shapable, the lines cut
into the iron can be seen to follow some design
fugitive and inapproWith smoothly working locks, better
still a design.
priate, it may be, but
balanced guns, two iron Damascus barrels, usable pull off, and a wellthe rib
gun
is
direction, and every part, when inspected, will be found to have had some
attention paid to it, to make it as perfect as the worker's idea of it had
In examining a fine gun, even if it be as heavy as that of the
determined.
"
" like a
"
trade gun," it will be found to handle
thing of life when comwill
the
rib
be found as
with
its
bottom
pared
"export" competitor;
accurately shaped, as small, and as carefully put on, as though that were the
which would receive every scrutiny ; and even the butt-plate screws
which to the well-glued heelplate are of very little service will be found to
be as well-shaped, slit, and accurately fitted as if the whole reputation of
the gun and its maker were staked upon those pins alone.
So must it be.
rib
Unless attention be given to every piece, no matter how seemingly unimportant, the gun is not well made, and may fail just where least expected.
From the first conception of the gun to the last stroke of the buffstick,
there must be paramount care in the choice and fashioning of the material,
and the right relation in size and position of every piece to each other and
to
all.
"
"
by its rough metallic appearance;
be found to be rounded down, not
CRITICAL.
125
The
spurious gun may be either a gun represented as being of a qualityor as the production of a maker other than the real one.
After taking all into consideration, it is the first class which is the most
dangerous to the unwary buyer. The vapid platitudes of the salesman
spread a glamour over the transaction, and the sportsman purchases a gun
which will trouble him more and more as he gets to know it. Against the
purchase of this class of gun the sportsman must always be on his
it
is
not,
guard.
The second class of gun is simply a forgery. Belgian guns are sent to
"
England to be proved, or the English proof marks are imitated
English
"
fine twist
is engraved upon the rib, or any maker's name is put on to the
;
Some makers do
upon
put
upon
their
it.
makers or
of the
imitations
in the
"
frequent, and all
alteration
"
the name is legion.
of " Westley Richards
or
the
Christian name, or the address is
initials,
The
more
MODERN SHOT
126
GUNS.
CRITICAL.
27
choke required, it must be borne in mind that the pattern made at any
given distance does not fairly represent the position of the charge at any
The pellets of the charge issue from the muzzle as comgiven moment.
some go ahead, others
pactly as a ball, then having individual velocities
lag behind, so that, roughly speaking, there is a distance of twelve feet
between the first and last pellet when the bulk of the pellets arrive at 40
yards.
circle at
fullest
choke-bore
will
MODERN SHOT
128
GUNS.
i2-gauge 30-inch,
"
Badminton"
unpopular."
gun properly
first,
they
No sportsman will purchase a good gun without witnessing its performance at a plate, and he will reject a gun that with the same charge
and same powder does not make a uniform pattern. If three close
patterns are succeeded by one containing only half the number of pellets, the
gun is most probably badly bored but if the gun suits in every other
respect it will be worth while to continue the trial, as it may be that a
If it be the fault of
faulty cartridge has occasioned the poor pattern.
;
the gun,
it
is
CRITICAL.
129
denounce choke
barrels
bores.
Left barrel.
...
...
...
...
Right barrel.
175
184
202
208
196
206
201
207
2IO
214
224
239
...
...
195
...
...
194
196
201
all fair
effect
tear,
wear and
upon good
gun-barrels.-
both
field
must not be taken as extraordinary, but to quote many such in proof that
they are not rarities would be a gross imposition on the reader
"On the 23rd of October, 1886, I was after ducks with my 12-bore, 7|lbs. Greener
Hammerless, and made three shots worthy of remark. With the first shot, I brought
down two black ducks out of four, flying past (cross shot), at fully 75 yards the
second shot, I killed' a duck the size of a widgeon at 100 yards
and with the third I
knocked over a black duck at no yards. The two last were single birds."
:
The shot used in this case was chilled shot No. 2, there being only
The barrels of this gun are but 28 inches long.
138 pellets in the charge.
" The first shot I had was with the
29-inch barrels, and I killed four pelicans in four
I like the 31-inch
shots; not bad, considering two birds were all I could carry.
barrels best, I killed with them a splendid turkey, putting nine No. I shot in his head,
three in his neck, and five in his body."
.
This gun
is
by the author.
"With your gun loaded with \\ oz. of No 5 shot no single duck is safe at 80 yard?.
have killed single teal at 80 and 90 yards, and on one occasion killed three times consecutively between 80 and 90 yards."
"With a full-choke Greener 12-gauge 81bs. I shot at three wild geese 76 yards off, and
'
I killed them all,
using No. 4 chilled shot. A native companion flew past. I killed it
This bird
stone dead at 70 yards, putting no less than eight shots in its head and neck.
weighed I7|lbs. On the same trip I shot at three single black swans at from 90 to 100
I killed a hare at over 90 yards with
yards, and in three successive shots got them all.
No. 4 shot."
"Mr. Cholmondeley-Pennell, who made the highest score, shot wonderfully well, at
30 yards from the trap, he killed all his birds with the first barrel. He used a full-choke
by Greener."
" Last
100 yards.'
fall I killed two Brent
geese, one with each barrel, distant over
"
With your gun I killed three wood pigeons, at over 70 yards' distance."
I
'
MODERN SHOT
130
GUNS.
ON THE
The
fit
of the
is
gun
determine whether he
will
FIT OF GUNS.
the former, he must ascertain which eye is the stronger, and aligns the
If the gun is fired from the right shoulder and aligned with the left
gun.
eye the aim will be faulty, and bad shooting naturally result.
Happily, the
great majority of persons naturally aim their weapon with the right eye,
If
hence, all shooting correctors, cross stocks, &c., are useless to them.
there is any doubt as to which eye directs the aim, it may be easily ascertained by proceeding as follows
Take a finger ring and hold it out at arm's length ; look through it with
both eyes open at some object twenty or more feet distant ; close the left
If the right eye still sees the object through the ring
which has not
eye.
been moved the right eye will align the gun, and the sportsman may with
every advantage dispense with all correcting impedimenta, and shoot with
both eyes open.
If the left eye
being the stronger aligns the gun, the
sportsman must shut it, or shoot from the left shoulder ; or have a particularly constructed stock which shall enable him to aim with the left eye
whilst shooting from the right shoulder.
Providing the sportsman be one of the minority, he should write fully
to an experienced gunmaker or the nearest practical gun dealer, and
If the
arrange for the building of a special gun, to meet his special need.
sportsman be one of the majority, he may choose a gun that will fit by the
:
method
Take a gun and put
following
it
up
to the shoulder
The
on page
is
44.
to bring the
mean
CRITICAL.
a line with the shooter's eye, without having to press the cheek hard against
the stock.
Too much cast-off is a great mistake. The same object can be gained
by having a more crooked stock. The balance is an important point to be
in ordering one gun to be built like another. The gun should
be balanced with a piece of thin twine, and the distance measured to the
string from the breech ends of the barrels.
remembered
The sportsman who orders after inspecting a large stock of weapons has
an advantage over the sportsman who, at a great distance from any gun
depot, has only a gun which does not suit him, and who wishes to order
one that will. Sportsmen so fixed must read attentively the following
remarks, and see in which particulars their gun fails.
In choosing a gun from the stock of any good maker or practised gunHe will have the advice
seller, the sportsman will find many advantages.
and assistance of an experienced man to guide him in fitting himself with a
suitable weapon, and he will find an assortment of good weapons from
which he may safely choose.
In taking up an ordinary good gun he will notice at once that the
weight lies between the two hands ; that it balances well; if tested it will be
found to balance within 3 inches of the breech. It is easy to make a gun
balance by loading the butt, but this clumsy expedient does not make a
well-balanced weapon of it, for the weight being at both extremities, instead
of between the hands, it will be found to answer better as a balancing-pole
for immature Blondins than as a sportsman's weapon.
The good gun when placed on end will be found to stand upright, or
The shape of the heel has much to do with the fit of the gun ;
nearly so.
too much heel prevents the gun being brought readily to the shoulder, and
causes it to shoot lower than a gun with a full toe.
The butt-plate will not be very much rounded, and will slope in a little
to fit the shoulder
that is to say, measured to the edge of the heel-plate,
the stock will be very slightly longer on the off than on the near side.
The heel-plate will be roughed to prevent it moving when held against the
shoulder.
There will be room between the two triggers for the thickest
finger, and both triggers will be so placed as to be readily reached by the
trigger finger ; the hand will be tapered from the head to the extremity of
the grip, to prevent injury to the second finger by the guard as the gun.
recoils.
Bruises of this kind are most unpleasant, and far too frequent.
The fore-end will be high, narrow, and about seven and a half inches in
length.
In
J 2
MODERN SHOT
132
GUNS.
In ordinary shooting it must also be got well forward, and the gun thrown
from the shooter and brought against the shooter ; immediately it
touches the aim should be correct, and the trigger pulled.
A long stock is held more firmly to the shoulder than a short one, and
the shock of the recoil is thereby lessened ; if too long, the gun requires
more time to be brought into position, and shots may be lost on this
slightly
account.
The
taken,
The
be of service
gun
will
CRITICAL.
133
any point of its travel. The locks will be front-action, and so constructed
as to permit of hammers being below the line of sight when at cock, and
the mainspring so shaped as to cut but little into the breech-action body.
The fences will be elegantly shaped, and a true pair. The strikers will be
without springs.
elegant,
barrels slide forward, or turn over, or move on a vertical axis for loading,
guns worked by means of a lever under the fore-end, pin-fire guns, guns
all
having sham barrels, hammerless guns with more than two safeties, guns
having barrels brazed from end to end, or soldered together with sal
ammoniac, guns with crooked barrels, dented barrels, crooked ribs, or ribs
more on one than on two barrels, guns which never fire, or spit at the
The following
breech when fired, guns with stamped vulcanite heel-plates.
will depend upon the fancy of the purchaser
:
The
whether
escutchepn for
flat
monogram
or crest.
COMBINED GUNS.
Shot guns can be fitted with rifle barrels, but, as a rifle, the weapon
must be heavier than it would be if it were constructed for a rifle simply.
The guns may have extra barrels ; but the barrels should be of the
same bore, and without great difference in weight. Guns built as ic-bores,
and fitted with extra i2-bore, barrels cannot be recommended, neither can
such makeshifts as detachable choke-bored muzzles, and Morris or other
tubes for converting shot guns into
rifles.
SECTION
VII.
HOW TO
PRACTICAL.
IT will be perhaps as well to state at once that it is not the writer's intenbook to give any hints as to the art of shooting. The use of
the gun is to comprehend the handling and care of the weapon
nothing
more.
tion in this
to great annoyance.
The
shore shooter
which he
hand upon
When
manner
be perfrom a
the sportsman's
it.
that
PRACTICAL.
135
MODERN SHOT
136
not
be put
away
cock; but
if
at
"
full
cock
and such
the gun is
"
;
GUNS.
the tumblers
may be lowered by
is
tumblers
barrels are open, but
off; or the
triggers whilst
breech mechanism.
Having put the gun together, it should be opened
and shut several times, and any stiffness or clogginess will at once be
If the gun is a snap action the lever should be carried quite
noticed.
home as the gun is closed. Dirt often finds its way underneath the extractor,
and this even in a most minute quantity will frequently occasion stiffness in
Oil and dust, and
working, or very possibly prevent the gun from closing.
sometimes a little rust, will be found in the bottom holding-down bolt
The gun must never be forced open, or
this causes the gun to work stiffly.
If the gun does not open/ree/y, it should be
unusual force used to close it.
in time saves nine, it
carefully examined, and on the principle that a stitch
may be cleaned thoroughly, providing the cause of the stiffness is not
In putting a gun together, providing
found, and the obstruction removed.
all the parts are clean, no stiffness will be noticed and no force requisite.
In case of a deadlock in putting in the barrel, do not attempt to force the
barrels in, but search for the cause.
Probably, if a hammerless gun, it will
;
hammer
if
PRACTICAL.
137
Many
as possible.
action body
a practical gunsmith.
Never send a good gun to an advertising jobster, who is prone to stick
his name upon your gun, under the pretence he has improved its shooting.
To have a gun " choke-bored-," or to have it converted into a cylinder,
always send to the maker or a first-class gunsmith, and do not be persuaded
to let any jobbing man tamper with your gun-barrels under any pretence.
In sending a gun for repairs send the whole gun.
If shooting requires
to be regulated, choke-boring removed, chambers altered, it is absolutely
necessary that the workman has the whole of the gun if justice is to be
done to the work, and for the trifle additional in cost of freight it is always
best to send the gun complete.
Other sportsmen like to take their guns all to pieces and re-arrange the
This is not requisite, and does not in any way add to the efficiency
parts.
of the arm.
The gunmaker is the proper person to take apart the locks,
or strip the breech-action ; if there is not a practical man within easy reach
the sportsman must, of course, himself endeavour to effect any repairs, but
it is not advisable to interfere with
any gun that functions properly, nor to
practise
To
MODERN SHOT
138
GUNS.
the rod
Do
free
down
this
Before putting the gun together ascertain that all the bearing parts are
from dust or grit.
The joint may be lubricated with a mixture of half best Russian tallow
The
bolts,
cocking-lifters of
and the
triggers, if they
the barrel.
STRIPPING
PRACTICAL.
139
"
"
hand-pin is placed in the reverse way, the head of this pin will then be
found on the top of the grip in the tang of a long break-off). The
"
should next be partly turned out; this pin fastens the fore
"furniture-pin
part of the trigger-plate to the body of the breech-action, and is easily
"
"
distinguished. Next remove the
upon the top of the tang of
breech-pin
the break-off; in top-lever action guns the breech-pin is covered by the
lever, which must be held on one side whilst the pin is being turned out.
Rarely a false pin is screwed into the lever, which, when removed, will leave
an aperture through which the breech-pin must be extracted. After having
removed the furniture-pins, the trigger-plate and triggers may be taken
from the stock, after which the breech-action may be removed entire.
slightly grip
then be free
MODERN SHOT
140
GUNS.
lock-plate
then unscrew
may then be lifted off if the tumbler is not in bent. The scear
then be at liberty, and may be removed by turning out the pin.
Now the hammer should be removed ; the tumbler-pin is first turned out,
and by means of a wire punch inserted in the hole, the tumbler is knocked
away from both hammers and lock -plate. If a hammer fits well, it will be
impossible to remove it in any other way without injury either to the
hammer or the lock. The spring must not be taken out of the cramp ;
In putting a lock
it requires no cleaning except at the claw or hook.
scear
then
on
the
the
then place on
first
screw
spring,
tumbler,
together,
the scears and cramp the spring with a pair of pliers or tongs, place the
Then affix the bridle, and screw it to the lock-plate.
tumbler into half-bent.
Take the mainspring, ready cramped, hook on to the swivel in tumbler,
place the stud in the hole drilled for it in the lock-plate, raise the tumbler
to full bent, squeeze the mainspring down close to the plate, and remove
the cramp ; the lock will be ready then for affixing the hammer, which
should be knocked on after placing the lock firmly on a solid block to
To take apart the lock-work of the
prevent the bridle from breaking.
The
scear
spring will
with a wire punch, from the right side, the scear pivot, or the one nearest
the stock, and remove the scears ; knock out the dog-pin, or the one nearest
the fore-end joint, and remove the cocking levers ; partly screw on the coverplate, and carefully knock out the centre-pivot or tumbler-pin, remove the
cover-plate, and the tumblers and mainsprings will drop out upon the
breech-action being reversed.
The scear springs lie along the bottom of
To put the lockaction, and may be removed after turning out the pins.
work together, first place the mainspring in the bend of the tumbler,
with the stud of mainspring bearing in its proper slot, and its other extremity bearing against the under side of the nose of the tumbler ; the
tumbler and spring having been placed in the slot must be forced into
position with a cramp, or piece of notched wood ; knock in the tumblerpivot half-way, insert the other tumbler and spring in the same manner, and
knock the wire pivot right through the lifting dogs, and scears must then
be put in, and the whole covered with the cover-plate.
The " Greener "
hammerless guns, which have similar tumblers and scears and mainsprings,
may be taken to pieces in the same way, but there are no dogs or lifters
to be removed.
Illustrations and descriptions of all the parts of the locks
mentioned here will be found on page 38.
In putting guns together, proceed in the reverse order to that described
for taking apart.
The
best
beyond the
methods
for
temporarily repairing
now be
detailed
PRACTICAL.
141
repairs.
it
is
list
We
MODERN SHOT
142
GUNS.
the stock as well as possible, then glue round the fracture a piece of thin
leather or canvas, and whilst warm tightly bind with waxed thread or a fine
The
lace ; when the whole is dry it will be almost as sound as before.
success.
gun requires
to be tightened up.
ALTERING GUNS.
to
good
reliable
system
CARTRIDGE LOADING.
It
fully
in the various technical portions of this treatise respecting the loads with
which guns may be charged to best advantage. The standard charges for
the guns of different gauges will be found detailed on page 57, and
provided that No. 4 Pigou, Wilks, and Laurence's powder is used, these
loads cannot be beaten for general purposes.
These loads may, however,
be varied for certain purposes, and a reference to the fac-similes of Killing
Circles in SECTION V. will show the purpose of certain variations.
Sportsmen must, however, remember that for closeness of shooting the
Schultze gunpowder is without an equal in guns of ordinary calibre, and in
which paper cases are used. In guns of 8 and 4-gauge, as also in lo-bores,
when used with brass cases the superiority is not so marked. In brass case
guns that is, guns bored and chambered especially for Kynoch's thin brass
cases
which guns have little or no chamber cone, no nitro-compound will
shoot closer than black gunpowder, and for use in such guns, as well as in
cylinder guns, unless the smokeless quality of the nitro-compound is
deemed an advantage, it would be better to use black gunpowder of
No. 4 grain.
The size of shot to be used must to some degree be
regulated by the bore of the gun, as well as by the size of the game
at which the charge is to be fired.
The 28-bore gun will do relatively
better with 8 or 7 than with 6 or 5, and with a 4-bore
gun anything smaller
than No. 3 is wasted.
PRACTICAL.
143
this illustration.
Loading with two pink-edge wads over the powder, and one pink edge
MODERN SHOT
144
wad over
the shot, as
to scatter,
gun
fully
is
often
done
will
in the
GUNS.
United
choke-bored.
'
with a
Cartridge loaded for Close Shooting
Wood Gunpowder.
Wadded
for
Close Shooting.
If brass
as illustrated,
To
PRACTICAL.
145
instead of two, or by simply using one pink-edged wad only over the
powder, and one or two over the shot.
The scatter-charge has good penetration at 30 or 40 yards, but of
course not so much as when loaded for close shooting.
For rabbit shooting, with a full-choke-bore gun, at 15 and 20 yards'
distance, very successful results have been gained by reducing the charge
of shot to \ oz., the smashing of the game being thus avoided.
There is an idea prevalent that by diminishing the charge of powder
below the standard charge, and keeping the standard charge of shot, the
This is erroneous, so far as it
closeness of the pattern will be increased.
applies to guns choke-bored,
in
any
it is
MODERN SHOT
146
GUNS.
any price. Loaded cartridges in lots of two thousand or more can be sent
economically to most of the English Colonies, to the United States, and to
The author will be pleased to give any informaseveral foreign countries.
tion he may possess or obtain as to the shipment to any port of shot or rifle
cartridges, should any person wishing to import goods of this class apply to
him.
Gunpowder is not so easily shipped as cartridges, but the quality of
English gunpowder is so favourably known, and the best brands are in such
demand, that the leading manufacturers have depots at the chief ports of
those countries into which the importation of gunpowder is permitted.
Gunmakers who make a speciality of loaded cartridges ensure the most
perfect accuracy in loading, and by the use of particular machinery and
accessories can promise a degree of excellence neither obtainable by
the ordinary method of hand loading, nor by the purely mechanical
methods practised in cartridge case factories.
The sportsman may occasionally find it necessary to load his own
cartridges, and will often do it in preference to trusting to the country
ironmonger's shopboy ; but he can never do it as economically, nor with
such accuracy, as the gunmaker, who has every mechanical contrivance, and
well-skilled workpeople to assist him.
To load quickly and accurately,
place the cases to be loaded base down upon the table.
Adjust the powder
measure, put the powder into a basin, take up a full measure, strike it oft"
level with the base of the case to be loaded, and pour it in the case carefully, holding the case over the basin.
Having filled all the cases with
powder, put in the first wad and press it squarely and firmly down ; the
in
together.
The
and
time,
miss-fires
PRACTICAL.
" E.G."
powders
147
not probable that such will result with even the most
must not be supposed that the powder in damp
to attempt to do
cartridges can be dried without unloading the cartridges
so would be like trying to dry one's stockings without taking off one's wet
careless storing.
it is
It
boots.
SELECTING BUCKSHOT.
To select a buckshot which will suit a particular gun, put a wad in the
muzzle of the gun, about half an inch down, and fit the shot in perfect
There will be no need to try them in the cartridge-case, as it
layers.
is immaterial how they may fit there.
Buckshot of a size which will
average nine pellets to the \\ ounce will generally fit a full choke-bored
1
If a smaller shot be required,
2-gauge gun, the three shot to the layer.
choose four or five to the layer, avoiding sizes which do not fit fairly well.
With such well-chosen buckshot the whole of the 9, 12, 16, or 20 shot of
the charge will be in a centre of 25 inches diameter at 40 yards range.
THE GUN-ROOM.
Guns and shooting paraphernalia should be kept together. If a room
cannot be devoted solely to them, a capacious cupboard, or a case fitted
with a gun rack, and several drawers and shelves, will contain a small
and the requisite accessories.
Guns are best kept put together and placed
battery
On
it
will
new weapons must be purchased for the next season. Some wet
summer day overhaul the contents of the gun-room, put the odd cartridges
not
for popping at rabbits or vermin, see that the cleaning tools are
complete, that the cartridge bags, game bags, &c. &c., are in good condition,
and make a list of the things which will be required when the season
handy
opens.
In the season the gun-room will require frequent attention if it is
made use of by more than one person. The cartridges, as soon as they
arrive from the gunmaker's, should be transferred to the magazine or
cartridge bags of the shooter for whom they are intended ; a cleaning-rod
and gear, turnscrews and extractor put in the travelling gun-case, and the
oil bottle refilled.
K 2
PART
II.
AMMUNITION AND
ACCESSORIES.
SECTION
I.
GUNPOWDERS.
The
ingredients of best black gunpowder are in the following prosaltpetre 75 per cent., charcoal 15 per cent, sulphur 10 per
cent., and this is the proportion generally followed by English and the
In Norway and Sweden less sulphur is used.
In
best foreign makers.
France, Prussia, Russia, Spain, and America more sulphur is used.
The explosive force is generated by the saltpetre and charcoal ; the
portion
sulphur raises the temperature of the freed gases, and adds to their volume
its own decomposition.
The speed with which a charge of powder
explodes is due to the size and density of grain. This question of grain is
of the first importance to the sportsman.
Annexed are representations of
the more usual grains.
For a muzzle-loader, No. 3 grain has been long preferred, as the smallness of the grains permits of the powder freely entering the breech and
nipple ; with the breech-loader, this necessity no longer existing, the grain
which gives the best results at the target is chosen.
The author, after many thousands of experiments, is of opinion that the
No. 4 Alliance is unequalled for all-round shooting in guns of any gauge.
For 12 and smaller bores, when strong shooting is required, the No. 4,
having a larger proportion of the finer grains than is usually found in
This powder
ordinary No. 4, will be found to give satisfactory results.
would not be obtained by mixing No. 3 and No. 4 together in any proThe Basket coarse
portions, but would require to be specially sifted.
grain of Curtis and Harvey is much liked by some sportsmen, but the
author has found a larger-grained powder to give better results.
Even for
8 and 4 bores the author has found Pigou, Wilks, and Laurence's No. 4
Alliance more suitable than the larger-grained powders sold as best for
these large shoulder guns.
To sum up the question of grain in one sentence whilst No. 6 gives
regular and even patterns, it has not the velocity of smaller-grained
by
GUNPOWDERS.
149
'"SWS^T
"
*&&
-*f:<S r
ALLIANCEN52. ALLIANCEN^S. ALLIANCE N-4
^jr^^T4
SESc
V**5
j&fy
m$ &&.
ALLIANCE
N* 5.
jjtfpW' i^*$yr&
ALLIANCE N6.
to
The
but
MODERN SHOT
ISO
GUNS.
the illustrations below represent fairly the grain with which a sportsman
in France, Germany,
unless he specify a powder or grain
will be served
or the United States.
The grains of the powder should be angular, round or cubic grains
The round grain
being slower to ignite, and slower in combustion.
the author
manufacturers
German
of
the
Bucholz)
(Cramer
gunpowder
has tried, and the results in all tests have shown to a disadvantage when
compared with the best angular-grained gunpowders. The best quality
of black gunpowder is not always the cleanest or brightest in appearance.
The following ready tests may be applied when powder of a doubtful
&
about to be purchased
a few grains in the palm of the hand, or between the finger and
thumb. If it is reduced to dust with little pressure, its density is insufficient,
brand
is
Rub
GERMAN.
FRENCH.
AMERICAN.
Foreign Gunpowders.
and .the
quality poor
charcoal
is
through.
will spoil
quality to
recommend them
G UNPO
VDEKS.
is
The
pulped wood.
Coopal's is practically granulated gun-cotton.
properties of these different explosives, in comparison with black gunpowders, will be gathered from the following remarks
is
I*.
*
Schultze,
*~
/
!%%t*^*
^*
^,'T
*ef%*^/*
^s**^
" E.G."
Dittmar, and
Gunpowders.
1720, whilst the Schultze powder, pressed and granulated, has a specific
Therefore, a charge measuring three drams will weigh,
In combustion, wood powder
black powder 84 grains, Schultze 42 grains.
is far more rapid than black, arid therefore a greater muzzle velocity may
be obtained with it than with black powder under the same conditions.
It seldom gives a greater increase in velocity than five per cent, although the
makers affirm that it could be made to give more if desired.
In consequence, therefore, of its rapid combustion, it is unfitted for
In small rifles of 36o-bore it has been
rifles or for very large-bore guns.
found to answer very well, but black gunpowder is in all cases more
suitable where great resistance has to be overcome at the commencement.
gravity of '860.
To
may be
plosives.
MODERN SHOT
152
fine division or
smoke.
The
best
GUNS.
wood powder
will
temperature is raised.
Black gunpowder
an explosive cap would not develop nearly so much energy from the
powder as would a detonator fired in the middle of the charge ; but the
explosion would be stronger than if the charge were fired by insertion of
a heated wire, or by the application of a flame.
All nitro-compounds are more violent in their action the more
tightly
they are confined, and the stronger the detonation by which they are
exploded.
The explosion by means of a Bickford fuse of various explosives in
G UNPO WDF.RS.
lead
same
increase.
"
The chemical
E.G."
action of the residue left in the barrel after firing
or Schultze is not more deleterious than that left after firing the best
black gunpowders, and no more cleaning or preparation of the barrel is
required with one explosive than with another.
The trials hitherto made with the new safety powder do not show that
the powder equals in strength or regularity the best brands of ordinary
powder, and whatever merit the powder may possess as a safety explosive
it is, for sporting purposes, inferior to the explosives to which the leading
name
of a Russian nitro-comThe
is the Schultze.
pulp is boiled with nitrate of potash, and treated with sulphuric and nitric
acids. This explosive has a perfect combustion, leaving absolutely no fouling
in the barrel, and is quite smokeless.
At the St. Petersburg gun trials of
Silatoir,
or
pound which
is
strength- producer,"
is
the
1887 it was tried in the author's winning gun, but did not register patterns
or force equal to those registered by Schultze powder in the same gun.
At later trials the powder in a compressed form was tried, and penetration
and patterns equal to those made with the sporting charges of Schultze
may prove
tended that neither nitro-cellulose nor nitro-lignum forms the base from
which the powder is produced. From trials made by the author, as well
as from reports he has received from sportsmen who have submitted it to
"
S.S." powder would seem to offer no particular advanpractical tests, the
It cannot be denied that
over
the
explosives already established.
tage
excellent results, both at the target and in the field, have been obtained
"
with " S.S. ;
nevertheless, the advantages which have been gained by its
makers are rather of a commercial and technical nature than of superior
qualities or
powers
SECTION
LEAD SHOT
II.
SHOT.
and
that
is
which
of two kinds
is
"
Belgian metal.
The absurd
demand
SHOT.
'55
STANDARD
SIZES
OF ENGLISH SHOT.
MODERN SHOT
156
fOOO
8goMM
ro co co
f>
N l^MOO'O N*O
pq
<*
GUNS.
'~'
mvo
NrorJ
t^ ON
"
fT
^^
"->
HtHW
ON
o -
ON
II!
8|
pq
N
|
1*33
ON
txOO ON
CQ
64
ll
pq
W ^ u->\O
u^ Q N N OO
t^\5 N OO t^
CO xoOO ON t^
N OO
ONOO O\ N 00
rn ro ^rj- Tt iovo OO ON
1-1
ON ONOO "-> O
Tf o t^ t^vO
^ c_ pq
_i
t^oo ON
io
ONi-ivO^O NOOOO
t^OO O fOvO
i^>
N
N
vO
OO
ro
* xovo
M N
N 00
o
vO
CO
O
N
^""^pq^
t^oo ON
O - N
>O O O
"->r<->OOOOONw>
M rOOO rj- u-)\O
O N +* iovo
N CO ^-\O ONVO
* Tf u-)vO OO ON
'
OO
i^
ONON$^-^-N
mro
t^OO ON
w 3
'
SHOT.
CONTINENTAL
FRENCH.
157
SIZES.
SECTION
III.
CARTRIDGE
CASES.
THE
uniformity
tight-
fitting cartridge
to
The
Pin-fire
Cartridge Case.
cases,
tt r\
rt./o
c i.
JDaw
Section ot the
Cartridge Case (Eley's). Central-fire Cartridge Case.
quently with cheap cases the heads are pulled off by the extractor, the
cylinder being left in the chamber to be removed by the grip extractor,
sold by gunmakers for this purpose, or cut out with the shooter's knife.
The cases must be of exact size also in the rim ; many have small
rims, so that in loading they slip past the extractor, and prevent the gun
It is also of importance that the case be substantially
being closed.
made, capable of resisting such pressure as careless packing in the magazine,
159
A stout, well-made
or the usual accidents of travel may occasion.
case will keep the powder in better condition than will a thin, unglazed,
imperfectly finished case.
There are several good makers of paper cases in the market. Eley's
green, as made by this celebrated firm for the last twenty-five years, give
The blue case may be used for a different charge as
general satisfaction.
The
a distinctive colour ; in quality it is but little inferior to the green.
buff and red cases sold for Schultze and "E.G." powder serve this same
The cap in red cases for "E.G." powder is somewhat stronger
purpose.
than that generally used by Messrs. Eley, and ensures the quick ignition of
this
powder.
Stronger cases than any
Kynoch's "Perfect"
Case.
"
Demi-High
Life
"
cases,
made by Eley
are
much used
easy.
the "
High
Life
"
and
a
pigeon shooting. They have
strengthening the case near the base,
for
MODERN SHOT
160
GUNS.
The thin brass perfect case of Messrs. Kynoch has greater capacity
These cases are the
than the paper cases of the same nominal gauge.
same price as the best paper cases, and as they do not swell, and keep the
they are much favoured by some sportsmen ;
powder in good condition,
" feel " of the
others do not like the
sharp edges of the metallic cases, and
The latest pattern of perfect case has the base
continue to use paper.
filled with paper pulp, which strengthens the rim, renders the base solid,
and lessens the liability to miss-fire. These cases do not give way in the
least ; and if the primers are kept of uniform good quality sportsmen may
"
"
case.
In America
perfect
congratulate themselves upon having a truly
in
than
are
dearer
or
"shells,"
England, and not equal in
paper cases,
quality to those made here. The American metallic cases are good, but very
On the Continent a very cheap paper case colour greyish-brown
dear.
is sold, which is of such poor quality that all sportsmen would do well to
avoid using them.
WADDING.
The wadding used in the shot gun is of three varieties
ist, the sim2nd, a felt wad
3rd, a hard felt paper-faced wad,
ple cardboard wad
known as the " pink edge " or the field wad. A cardboard or waterproof
(pitch paper) wad must be placed over the powder this must be followed
The top
by a lubricating felt wad, usually 3-8ths of an inch in thickness.
wad over the shot must be of the thinnest cardboard.
Pink-edged, pink:
<c
faced,
used
field,"
and
Shot Wads.
Some special wads have been introduced for the purpose of increasing
the range of the gun ; one which is much used on the Continent consists of
a conical cup wad, like the
improved Lancaster Concentrator reversed, and
its use in
cylinder guns is advantageous ; in choke-bores it should not be
used.
Another wad is so constructed that immediately it leaves the muzzle of
the gun it falls to dust, and this wad, if fixed over the
shot, slightly increases
the pattern at short
ranges ; if over the powder without other wadding, it
reduces both pattern and penetration.
One firm of English gunmakers use
an
161
"
"
charge in paper or brass cases ; it is known as the Star wad. The author
has no experience of its advantages.
The foregoing illustrations of wads generally used in England will
enable the tyro to recognise them, especially if the following particulars
are
remembered.
The
felt
greased edge.
LOADED CARTRIDGES.
The
"
Life
"
cases
and loading
of
made
These
stronger and more solid, and they rarely, if ever, burst at the rim.
cases have given great satisfaction, and as they may be more readily
de-capped than those made on other systems, they enjoy an enviable
The large
reputation amongst sportsmen who reload their cartridge cases.
cap prevents the escape of gas into the striker hole, and this is but one of
their several other advantages.
Felt wadding must be used between the powder and shot, a wad T3F inch
thick is enough for a 28-bore, and J inch would not be too thick for an
8-bore ; as there is not a wad so thick, a pink-edged wad must be used as
7
| or T
is
Wads need
MODERN SHOT
62
GUNS.
TECHNICALITIES.
and
at
"
"
Eley
View of
Case.
"
Life
Ignition of Central-fire Cases.
With the
"
Case.
"
and Anvils of the " Life
mean
velocity will be
feet.
910
feet
163
black.
CARTRIDGES.
The
Messrs. Kynoch's
" Grouse
"
Cartridge Case.
in
damp
places
SECTION
THE
IV.
If kept in a gun
is worth preserving.
a dust-proof gun cupboard, it will last longer, and if put
away clean will always be ready for use. To take guns from place to place,
a case is necessary ; if they are to be sent, a substantial oak case, leathersuch a case well made is worth about ^5. It affords
covered, is the best
complete protection to the gun, and will itself withstand the roughest usage.
that is to say, cases in which best leather is sewn to
Sole leather cases
pine frames are light and handy, and do well to carry guns in, but they
must not be used as packing-cases ; and although they will upon occasion
stand several trips to the Rocky Mountains, they are not adapted to the
rough usage they receive in the goods van, and do not protect the gun as
will the oak-covered case.
best sole leather case is worth
The leg4.
of-mutton case affected by trap-shooters does not give much protection to
the gun, but it is very light, and serves well to carry the gun ; the cost is ^3.
case to carry the gun at full length has been recommended, but its bulk
makes it inconvenient in many situations where the shorter case is no
gun that
rack, or better
is
worth owning
still,
encumbrance.
It is preferable to carry cartridges in a separate magazine than in a tray
gun cases. These magazines are made to carry 50 the neat little
in the
Case.
165
then travel better, and are more easily packed into and removed from the
magazine.
The impedimenta in England may be restricted to a full set of cleaning
implements, including pocket cleaner and chamber brushes, action brush,
tow, rag, flannel, and oil.
pocket extractor is useful, and a pair of turnscrews may be kept in the cases.
ammunition
PART
III.
SECTION
I.
TRAP SHOOTING
LIVE BIRD SHOOTING.
THE
bond-fide
Wood
House.
Traps were
re-;
MODERN SHOT
68
GUNS.
"
"
small cannon which were formerly in vogue as pigeon
used here, and the
the
and
were
ordinary double-barrelled fowling-piece
discountenanced,
guns
The late J. H. Walsh (Stonehenge) gave a sketch of this
substituted.
fashionable ground in his book on the gun, which illustration is, by the
Since the founding of
kind permission of his publishers, reproduced here.
the Hornsey Wood Club numerous clubs have come into existence, and
amongst the most celebrated in England are
:
thrice
Secretary,
week
at
London.
"
Dover
Hotel, Wolverhampton.
m
S-
-3
MODERN SHOT
170
GUNS.
Abroad.
FRANCE.
de Boulogne,
Paris.
M. Payme
Secretary,
principality of Monaco.
The season commences about
Carlo.
MONTE CARLO
address
Monte
Secretary,
M. Blondin
the
loth
of
money.
Every third year there is also the great contest for
"
Championnat Universel" which, in addition to the great prestige
pigeon shot the winner has, is worth about ^400 in money.
The
the
as a
April.
The Monaco Meetings are attended by the best shots of all nations, and
may be participated in by members of the chief Pigeon Clubs in Europe.
BOULOGNE-SUR-MER. Secretary, M. Blondin, Rue de Thain 6, Paris.
The International Meetings held here during the last week in July, and the
:
rirst in August, are attended
by first class shots of all nationalities. The
prizes offered are worth ^400.
There are also good meetings at Abbeville, Amiens, Bordeaux
(Saumur\ Cambrai, Havre, Lille, Lyons, Macon, Nantes, Rheims, Rouen,
Tours, and Valenciennes, during the summer months.
During the winter
there are meetings at Arcachon, Cannes, Marseilles, Pau, and several other
winter resorts.
At
d'Acheres
Tir
is
practised.
BELGIUM. BRUSSELS.
The Tir aux Pigeons, Bois de la Cambre, is
the chief club.
The Secretary is M. Brancquaert, Boitsfort, par Bruxelles,
and he also acts for the Societies at Spa, and at Ostend, where there are
At Antwerp there is also a good club, the Secretary
important meetings.
is M. Marchant, of
List, Shootzen, Anvers.
AUSTRIA.
GERMANY.
racecourse at Hoppegarten,
and there
171
In SPAIN there are several clubs, some of which hold important International Meetings.
The chief clubs are at Madrid the late King of Spain
was a member of this club and a regular attendant at Seville, at Cordova,
In PORTUGAL there are clubs at Lisbon
Cadiz, Granada, and Valencia.
and Oporto.
In ITALY, clubs at Rome, Milan, Florence, Genoa, Venice (a good
In SICILY at Palermo,
meeting), Bologna, Padua, and Turin.
Messina, and Catania.
In RUSSIA there are two clubs at St. Petersburg, and one at Moscow.
The Moscow club is a new one, but is fitted with all latest appliances, and
summer
3.
4.
5.
powder, before
firing the
second.
MODERN SHOT
172
6.
The
gun
is
discharged.
GUNS.
is
bird.
7.
The
shooter,
"
caution
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
be deemed to be taken.
at the option
If, on the trap being pulled, the bird does not rise, it is
of the shooter to take it or not ; if not, he must declare it by
" No bird " but should he fire after
;
declaring, it is not to
saying,
be scored for or against him.
Each bird must be recovered within the boundary, if required by
any party interested, or it must be scored lost.
If a bird that has been shot at perches or settles on the top of the
fence, or on any part of the buildings higher than the fence,
it is to be scored a lost bird.
If a bird once out of the ground should return and fall dead within
the boundary, it must be scored a lost bird.
If the shooter advances to the mark and orders the trap to be
pulled, and does not shoot at the bird, or his gun is not properly
loaded, or does not go off, owing to his own negligence, that bird
is to be scored lost.
A bird
shot on the ground with the first barrel is "No bird," but it
shot on the ground with the second barrel, if it has been
fired at with the first barrel while on the wing ; but if the shooter
misses with the first and discharges his second barrel, it is to be
accounted a lost bird, in case of not falling within bounds.
14. All birds must be gathered by the dog or trapper, and no member
shall have the right to gather his own bird, or to touch it with his
hand or gun.
15. In Single Shooting, if more than one bird is liberated, the shooter
"
may call No bird," and claim another shot ; but if he shoots, he
must abide by the consequences.
1 6.
The shooter must not leave the shooting mark under any pretence
to follow up any bird that will not rise, nor may he return to his
mark after he has once quitted it to fire his second barrel.
17. Any shooter found to have in his gun more shot than is allowed,
13.
may be
1 8.
is to be at once
disqualified.
Any loader supplying in sweepstakes or matches cartridges loaded in excess of the authorised
charge, will be dismissed from the Club grounds.
None but members can shoot except on the occasion of private
matches.
No
173
shot.
In
all
accordingly.
22.
25.
If
bowls.
any bird escapes through any opening in the paling,
a "
No
2.
it
shall
be
bird."
RISES.
In Double Shooting, when more than two traps are pulled, the
shooter may call " No birds," and claim two more ; but if he
shoots, he must abide by the consequences.
If, on the traps being pulled, the birds do not rise, it is at the option
of the shooter to take them or not.
If not, he must declare by
"
No birds."
saying
on the traps being pulled, one bird does not rise, he cannot
demand another double rise ; but he must wait and take the bird
3.
If,
4.
5.
If the shooter's
when
it flies.
apply.
On
MODERN SHOT
74
appended
in full
to.
They
GUNS.
also rule at
2.
Members
3.
4.
and
The gun-maker
The
may
175
If the shooter
bird.
2.
The
13.
The
"
but
if
will
be scored.
sprung and the pigeon does not rise, it is at the
option of the shooter to accept or refuse it.
"
No bird" If it is missed
15. If the pigeon is killed before rising it is
whilst on the ground with the first barrel and killed whilst flying
with the second, it is "No bird ;" but if it is missed under the
same conditions with one or both shots, the pigeon is lost. In
short, if the shooter waits until the pigeon rises and is afterwards
shot at, it is scored to the shooter.
In the last case only may the
gun be brought to "the shoulder, but it is well understood that to
be scored " killed no bird must be killed except on the wing.
1 6. The shooter has a
right to another bird if his gun miss-fires or
refuses to go off through any fault not his own.
1 7. The
pigeon is lost if the shooter has neglected to cock his gun, to
load it, or to place on the cap.
18. If the first barrel misses fire, and the shooter fires the second, he
loses his right to another pigeon, unless the second barrel also
14.
If the trap is
miss-fires.
If the
MODERN SHOT
GUNS.
26.
shooter
28.
The
fires.
fallen
home.
pigeon
The pigeons
fly
shooter who leaves the mark after firing the first barrel loses
the right of using his second.
30. All pigeons shot at behind the diagonal line of banners, whether
killed or missed, are scored as lost to the shooter.
31. Each trap bears a number, and it is entirely dependent upon
chance which trap is used.
32. In the handicaps, matches, and other shooting in which the bore
and the load are specified, every shooter having used a gun of a
different gauge or a different charge is excluded from that match,
And every shooter convicted of
and loses his entrance-fee.
having shot at a less distance than the one fixed for him loses his
29.
The
The
33.
only.
The extreme
177
The winner
only.
39.
The same
same
is less,
Each shooter has his name written in a book placed on the stand,
and the distance varies according to the judgment of the referees,
who modify them according to their observations. Their de-
41.
The days
42.
at the
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
20 frs., if the shooter receives or replaces his gun loaded and cocked.
Muzzle-loaders must be given to the shooter at half cock, or the
armourer fined 20 frs.
Breech-loaders to be loaded at the mark, with the barrels toward
the traps, and when the trappers have returned to their places,
the shooter or the armourer not conforming to this rule will be
liable to a fine of 200 frs.
BOUNDARIES.
The
usual boundary
is
straight line.
trap,
measured
in
178
and Yorkshire
in
large
in
exported
and
Belgium
breeding
purposes,
The
real
Rock
speckled Rocks.
is
and
LIVE
The
chiefly
SHOOTING.
179
next best bird to the Blue Rock is the English Skimmer, which is
at the second-rate clubs ; and then true Antwerp pigeons.
employed
spring traps, plunge traps, &c., are of no use, and should not be tolerated
match of any importance, nor allowed in a club.
in a
Leavemvorth Trap.
For private practice the " Leavenworth trap, as illustrated here, is the
best to force the pigeon to take wing at once, and it is a perfect trap for use
with untrained pigeons.
The author will be pleased to furnish particulars
of this trap to any person desiring them, but no trap will make tame birds
take flight like the wild, strong Rock pigeon, or as the trained pigeons of
the best purveyors.
:>
MODERN SHOT
i8o
GUNS.
" Blue
much
The
The
won
Prix.
Year.
1872
1873
1874
1875
1876
1877
1878
1879
1880
1 88 1
1882
1883
1884
1885
1886
1887
1888
the
Grand
Prix
du Casino
Wm.
Sir
Comte de
Grand
won
Prix.
MATCH SHOOTING.
Perhaps the best score on record is that of Captain A. H. Bogardus,
who on July 2nd, 1880, succeeded in scoring 99 birds out of the 100, the
47th bird falling dead out of bounds. This extraordinary score was made
in a match with Mr. Rimmell, an
English gentleman, for 250 dollars aside.
Bogardus, 30
in
Rimmell, 28 yds.
good condition.
100 birds,
5 traps,
weather
fair,
and birds
181
The Captain used an English hammerless gun, and loaded with Dittmar
powder in the first and orange lightning, No. 6, in the second barrel.
Rimmell used the orange lightning powder, and both were restricted to
i-J
oz. shot.
The American birds are inferior to English Tin Blue Rock pigeons, and
pigeons are much stronger, wilder, and sharper in the early spring and
winter than in summer.
all
grounds
On February 7th, 1881, a match was shot off at the "Welsh Harp,"
Hendon, between Dr. Carver and Mr. W. Scott, a celebrated English wing
shot.
Dr. Carver used throughout the match a Greener Choke-bore Gun.
Mr. Scott also used a Greener, but after the match commenced shot with
the Greener and a London gun irregularly.
The score was Dr. Carver,
66 birds Mr. Scott, 62. The stakes amounted to ^400. The birds were
the finest and quickest seen during the winter, and the weather was vile the
greater part of the match being shot in a blinding snowstorm, and a driving
;
In 1884 Dr. Carver and Captain Bogardus met and contested three
matches.
The first at Louisville, Ky., U.S.A. (100 birds, 30 yards rise,
80 yards boundary, Hurlingham Rules) ; score Carver, 83 ; Bogardus, 82.
The second at Chicago, 111., U.S.A., same conditions as in the first match
Carver, 82 ; Bogardus, 79 ; at the 8oth bird the scores were even, and
remained so until the 9oth, when Carver killed all his succeeding birds, and
won a well-contested match by 3 birds. Third match at St. Louis, Mo.,
U.S.A. (50 double rises at 21 yards); score Bogardus, 81
Carver, 79.
Some close, sharp shooting was exhibited in a match at the Carterct
Grounds, Bergen Point, N.I., U.S.A., shot on the i9th of January, 1888,
:
MODERN SHOT
82
GUNS.
between Mr. C. Floyd Jones and Mr. Edgar C. Murphy. The match was shot
under Hurlingham Rules, at 30 yards rise, 21 yards boundary. The wind
was fresh and blowing across the grounds from the left, and the birds are
F. Jones, 78 ; Murphy, 77.
Both shooters
said to have been good. Score
used light i2-bore English hammerless guns, and Schultze powder, and the
It is worth recording
time occupied was only 2 hours and 32 minutes.
that although in matches where the two shooters shoot alternately 20 birds
without a miss have been scored repeatedly, it is rarely that in one handicap,
or several largely attended handicaps, any shooter will score this number
Dr. Carver's string of 50 birds, killed straight off, which he
without a miss.
accomplished at Lynchburg, Va., U.S.A., with a Greener 7^ Ib. i2-bore gun,
is his best on record in this line.
A final contest for the Championship of England Cup took place at
Hendon on July 3rd, 1888, and resulted in a win for Captain Brewer, who
killed 24 out of 25 birds, at 30 yards rise, and having thrice consecutively
gained the prize against all comers, claimed the trophy as his own.
Captain Brewer used a Greener gun in all contests.
In the contest for the American Field Champion Wing Shot Cup, 1890,
Mr. Elliott, the holder, successfully defended it with a Greener gun,
scoring 59 out of 60, 48 out of 50, and 94 out of 100 birds.
In Melbourne the Grand National Handicap was won with nine birds
Both the winner and proxime accessit used Greener
grassed in succession.
guns as did also the winners of the Bathurst Champion Handicap, the
Melbourne Challenge Cup, and the Melbourne Cup, the chief events of
;
SECTION
II.
INANIMATE TARGETS.
As a
pastime, the shooting at glass balls or bottles has long been practised
was developed and made a fashionable amusement in
the United States by Mr. Ira Payne, Captain Bogardus, Dr. Carver, and
other professional shots.
in this country, but
The inanimate
classes
balls
targets
now
in
use
may be
and "pigeons."
The balls, at first plain hollow spheres of colourless glass, were afterwards made of blue or amber glass, and filled with feathers ; later the
spheres were chequered to prevent the shot from glancing, and this stage
Balls made of
of development is the highest reached by the glass ball.
various resinous compositions have been tried, and have a certain sale, but
as there is difficulty in getting them sufficiently brittle they have not
Other plans have been tried, as bell
generally supplanted the glass balls.
balls, puff balls, explosive balls, &c., but they have not proved successes
commercially.
From
traps to throw the balls have been wonderfully developed.
modified catapult used at English fairs they have advanced to a
The
the
184
The
and the
CARD'S
"
Trap.
1:1
'STANDARD
by a
to
fair
shot at
all
ordinary ranges,
illustration.
may be used
INANIMATE TARGETS.
185
The "Blackbird"
pitch
and
carriage
rule.
"
It will be seen
Blackbird and trap are illustrated here,
bird," instead of having a tongue cemented to it, has two ears
projecting from the solid body of the target, and these projections are not
likely to be broken off in transit, or by careless trapping.
The
that the
"
Peoria
86
The
'
Peoria
"
"
"
Blue Rock Pigeon differs from most targets of the above descripinasmuch as it is made by pressure, the top is connected to the sides
by a film-like connection, and this permits of the targets being so strongly
made that breakages during transit are reduced to a minimum, whilst the
The target, of a deep black, has
target is shattered if struck by one shot.
The
tion,
a yellow crown,
making
it
The trap used for the Blue Rock Pigeon is so constructed that it
imparts to the thrown target a high rotary motion, and at the same time
throws it with little friction.
The trap also so throws the target that it has
a steady flight and a good velocity, which is not perceptibly greater at the
commencement than at the end of the flight.
The American traps are usually made with interchangeable parts, and
are carefully fitted.
INAXIM.
There are
holding-down
'/'/
TA AV;/-: y.v.
87
pins,
and whether using three or five traps, will decide upon a definite
;
method of determining in which order the traps shall be sprung. The use
gear
DECISION OF JUDGES.
pointed to judge
all
3.
Two judges and a referee shall be apIf the judges cannot agree, the
matches.
and
be
final.
The
FLAGS FOR JUDGES. Each judge shall be provided with a red flag
and a white flag. They shall raise the red flag to indicate a
"
"
broken " bird, and the white flag to indicate " lost bird they
shall raise both flags to indicate "no bird" or an imperfect bird
they shall also announce the score in a loud voice.
KEEPING THE SCORE. It shall be optional with the judges and
referee to keep the score themselves, or appoint some one for
that purpose, and the score thus kept shall be the official score,
provided, however, that the referee must testify to the correctness
;
4.
5.
MODERN SHOT
88
GUNS.
TRAPS.
distance often yards from the trap shall not be more than eight
nor less than four feet, and the angles of flight shall be as
follows
No. i trap shall be set to throw a left quartering bird.
feet
No. 2 trap
No. 3 trap
shall
shall
be
be
set to
set to
o
SHOOTER.
for
if
Throwing
Birds.
xi MATE TARGETS.
8.
189
double bird
14 yards for
i2-bore guns.
All distances mentioned in these rules must be accurate measurement.
ii.
GUN. No gun of larger calibre than lo-bore shall be used.
12.
LOADING GUNS. In single bird shooting only one barrel shall
13.
shot
14.
at.
BROKEN
BIRDS.
bird to be scored broken must have a perThe decision of
ceptible piece broken from it while in the air.
the judges and referee on this point shall be final.
No bird shall
MODERN SHOT
90
17.
GUNS.
TIE SHOOTING. All ties shall be shot off at the original distance
and at the number of birds agreed on by the contestants. If,
however, the contestants cannot agree promptly on this point, the
The
referee shall fix the number, and his decision shall be final.
rules prescribed for single and double bird shooting shall prevail
in tie shooting.
1 8.
CHALLENGE.
No
challenge
shall
best records
made
from spring
traps.
However
Trap shooting cannot be recommended as a profession.
good a shot a sportsman may be he will find so many uncertainties in trap
shooting that
it
is
\ANIMATE TARGETS.
doubtful
if
191
will
make
At an ordinary
average
To be
considered a good shot, the number of kills must average more than
Mr. "Grace," at one time considered a reliable shot, with
70 per cent.
a Greener Gun once scored a percentage of 84*3 kills in a series of International contests.
Other shooters have occasionally made a higher percentage in a short series of matches.
In a series of International matches, out of 1,120 birds shot at by
thirty-six different shooters, 79*9 per cent, were killed, and this is about the
good
shot, the
chances are
first-rate shots.
The
be sought.
In choosing a gun all will depend upon the rules under which it will be
used, but it may be said that as a rule a gun of 7^ Ibs. will be the thing.
Let it be taken from the rack just before going to the mark, and let a
point be made of loading and cocking it methodically.
Quite a large
number of birds are scored lost every year because the shooter has
forgotten to cock his gun, move the safety off, or some other cause equally
easy to prevent.
It is
best to take
to the mark,
the score
is
and
if
likely to benefit.
MODERN SHOT
^2
GUNS.
little
APPENDIX.
STERLING
fH' STEEL.
APART from
it
is
The question of steel as a suitable metal for gun barrels has occupied
the attention of gunmakers for several years, and after many experiments,
a superior description of steel -possessing valuable qualities has been
"
adopted.
Sterling Steel" is the name given to it by the author.
The mode of manufacturing is not to draw the steel at all, as generally
understood, but to forge out the barrel into a solid rod, and afterwards
drill the whole length.
Barrels so made are of close metal, stronger and
denser than any obtainable by other means.
The " Sterling Steel " recommended is made of a homogeneous metal,
of very fine quality, and admirably adapted by its great tenacity, or tensile
It has been thoroughly tested by the
strength, for use in gun barrels.
author, as well as at the Government Proof House, with very heavy charges,
viz., 28 drachms of powder and 4^ ounces of shot, this charge being equal
to seven ordinary charges of powder and four charges of shot.
This test
and many others it withstands perfectly.
"
"
barrels are of sufficient strength for all practical purSterling Steel
and
in
poses,
only
appearance are they at a disadvantage when compared
with twisted Damascus and laminated steel barrels.
"
Unlike "cast-steel" barrels of the old type, " Sterling Steel barrels bulge
instead of breaking, and increased strain produces an open burst similar to
that of a welded barrel instead of a sharp break or a longitudinal rip as is
found to result with imperfect steel barrels. The quality of the metal is
such that it will stand successively more than double the strain to which a
"
"
or
sportsman can submit his gun with fair usage. And it will not
rip
"
crack," however sharp may be the explosive used.
Good steel barrels have the following advantages over the Damascus
barrels
they are less liable to honeycomb from the corrosive action of gun:
MODERN SHOT
196
GUNS.
powder, they are not so easily bent from rough usage as twisted barrels,
and being harder are not so likely to be injured when accidentally dropped.
Many guns have been ruined by this cause alone.
There being no welds in these barrels they are absolutely free from
They may be relied upon as being equal
greys or flaws of any description.
and further, they do
to those manufactured by the Whitworth Company
not add to the cost of the gun, whereas Whitworth barrels cost more, and
"Sterling Steel" is always obtainable without the annoying delays which
often result when a special barrel is required of Whitworth metal.
The bulges were caused by placing a small charge of shot between two
felt wads (first a thick felt, then the shot, then the thin felt) at the spot
where the bulges are, and firing an ordinary charge from the gun.
;
The burst was effected by increasing the charge of shot between the
wads, the bulges appeared about fifteen inches from the breech end after
firing.
As many
as five thick
fired
before bursting.
The illustration is reduced to half-size.
As to the shooting qualities of steel barrels, it is not claimed that they
shoot better than those of ordinary gun iron, as good shooting is only
obtained by skill in boring, but steel being harder, they should retain their
Other steels may posshooting qualities longer than those of softer metal.
sess the tenacity required of the material for shot
gun barrels, but none
have yet proved so reliable.
The alloys of iron, manganese steel, nickel
steel, aluminium steel, and other materials possessing essential features are
not yet made of such uniform quality as will admit of their adoption by
gunmakers of reputation for making into shot-gun barrels, although undoubtedly of such an alloy the guns and rifles of the future will be
manufactured.
"
Sterling Steel."
Bulges and burst in a Barrel of
'97
'
the use of sportsmen a pattern is now made, with a sliding cover, by which
the number of holes exposed in the trowel may be varied, according to the
charge of shot it is wished to load into the cartridge.
As already stated, the charge of shot is in this manner regulated by
number 270 pellets of No. 6 weigh one ounce, and in good shot if this
number should turn the scale, it will be found that 269 will not ; 304 holes
for 304 pellets are allowed for the i J oz., or standard charge, and beyond
this charge the graduation may be varied with the greatest nicety.
In order to obtain exact results it is absolutely necessary that the same
number of pellets are loaded into the cartridges if the number varies
although the weight of the charge may not there will be a variation in
;
MODERN SHOT
198
GUNS.
when in contact with the air, expands to its fullest extent with
the force of an explosive, and propels the bullet, pellets, or whatever proWhen exhausted, the reservoir is
jectile may be placed in the barrel.
detached from the gun and replaced by another.
gas, which,
The reservoirs must be filled at the factory, and the gas specially
prepared.
At present the invention has not passed the experimental stage, and it
would be rash to predict either that the Giffard system will supersede firearms, or that the sporting-gun has nothing to fear from its new competitor.
INDEX.
Choke-bore
Aligning of guns, 50, 52, 130.
Allport's double-grip hammerless gun,
18.
Alterations
Analytical section, 31
et seq.
et seq.
iS.
133.
gun, 28.
Concentrators, 103.
Critical section, 109 et
seq.
Criticism, 116.
Cross-bolt, 115.
D
Damascus barrels, 33.
Daw's central fire gun,
Descriptive section, 7
Dummy gun,
4.
et seq.
131.
Early guns, I.
Early hammerless guns,
Ejector guns, 22 et seq.
Calibre, 56.
37.
Comb lever
Combined gun,
16, 18.
171.
Chamber,
127, 128.
v. cylinder, 37,
et seq.
14.
14.
MODERN SHOT
200
G
German horn
GUNS.
Loading
grip, 44.
133.
fast, 6.
,,
,,
treble
fast
gun, 12.
wedg<
,j
patent
,,
barrels, 34.
,,
,,
"Make
all
Mead
H
Hammer
records, 180.
shells, 105.
N
Needham's
et seq.
16.
133.
rules, 171.
gun,
1 3
57
seq.
Purdey's hammerless gun, 19.
Putting gun together, 136.
Q
Question of price, 120.
3.
Levers, 7, 117.
''Life" cases with
large caps, 67, 161.
Light guns of small calibre, 92.
Live bird shooting, 166.
125.
sure," 134.
Match shooting
gun, 96.
Gauge, 56.
guns, 7 et seq.
Hammerless guns, 6.
Hammer or hammerless,
If
R
Rational gun stock, 47
et seq.
201
INDEX.
Repeating shot guns, 28, 119.
and shot guns, 107.
Rifle
S
Safety bolts, 41, 118, 134.
Scott's hammerless gun, 18.
Self-acting ejector gun, 119.
Semi-hammerless gun, 13.
Top
connection between
breech action, 113.
Top
connection, Importance
"
Top-lever gun, 9.
Treble grip gun, 11.
Treble wedge-fast gun,
barrels
and
of, 114.
12.
37, 127-
et seq.
Velocity, 66 et seq.
Wadding, 160.
Walking in line,
Wear-and-tear
134.
128.
trial,
56,
126,
steel barrels,
Workmen,
32-
Wood
pigeons, 93.
120.
INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS.
Allport's double-grip hammerless gun, 15.
Choke-boring, 36.
B
Belgian Damascus
Chamber, 37.
Cheek pad, 55.
barrels, 33.
Comb
16.
112.
of
Sterling
Steel, 196.
C
Cartridge chamber, 37.
,,
,,
,,
143,
144.
to scatter the shot, 144.
magazine, 165.
4.
E
English Damascus crolle barrel, 32.
,,
single-iron
Damascus
barrel, 32.
MODERN SHOT
202
Flint-lock gun,
GUNS.
Pigeon-shooting, 167.
Pigeons and traps, 178, 179.
Powder, 149.
Purdey's central-fire gun, 5.
hammerless gun, 20.
2.-
Fore-ends, 54.
German horn
Greener's,
Greener's,
R
Royal Gun, 194.
grip, 44.
Safety-bolts, 42.
Scott's hammerless gun, 19.
,,
,,
,,
,,
,,
laminated
barrel, 33.
silver
,,
hammerless
wild-foul
et seq.
bent for
Swivel
M
Manton's
Monopeian gun,
eye, 53.
53.
14.
N
Needham
left
Top
flint-lock gun, 2.
13.
steel
barrels, 34.
.
,,
Semi-hammerless gun,
P
Pattern at various ranges, 70 to 80.
connection, Importance
Top-lever gun, 9.
Trap-shooting, 167.
Treble grip gun, n.
Treble wedge-fast gun, 12.
of,
114.
\V
SCHOLTZE GUNPOWDER
(SMOKELESS).
IMPROVED, WATERPROOFED.
Manufactured at the Works of
"
SCHULTZE "
Gunpowder now more than ever excels all rivals, having Greater Penetration,
more even Pattern, Less Recoil, Less Report, Less Smoke, Less Fouling. It has no
Is practically unaffected by damp, and cannot be
prejudicial effect whatever upon the Barrel.
dried to a dangerous condition. It may be Loaded with the utmost ease in ordinary
Closer and
cases.
FIG-EON SHOOTI3VG.
All the Principal
The
The
The
The
Events of
....
And during
To
all
the Offices of
CO.,
CATTTION.
Powder, and
"
Limited,
E.G.
Schultze " is the oldest, best known, and most reliable Smokeless
Public is cautioned against inferior and imitation Powders.
tJie
C.
KYNOCH &
CO., LTD.,
CARTRIDGES.
Patentees and Sole Manufacturers of the
"GBOUSE"
IS
SOLID-DRAWN.
Powder Charge.
lining.
Revolver,
Special
and Rook
Target
Rifle
Cartridges,
Revolver and
Percussion
Repeating
Rifle
Caps,
Waddings, &c.
Cartridges.
Samples on
application.
DEPOTS-
LONDON:
25,
Heddon
BIRMINGHAM:
?9,
Street,
Bath
Regent
Street, St.
Street.
Mary's.
THE
LONDON,
WORKSBARWICK, HERTS.
"
SMOKELESS
ST.,
E.C.
Telegraphic Address
"BOMBSHELL, LONDON."
"
Sole Manufacturers of
Smokeless
Sporting
Smokeless (SR)
Rifle
Powder.
The Superiority of this Powder consists in its
Reduced Fouling,
Long Range,
Reduced Recoil,
Greater Penetration, and
Reduced Smoke,
More Regular Patterns
These special features, combined with its SAF ki
in transit, storage, and handling, have placed
Powder.
The advantages obtained
Absence of Smoke,
Remarkable Reduction in Recoil,
Abolition of Fouling,
Reduction of Heating of the Barrel,
Increased Accuracy of Shooting,
Reduction in the Weight of the
Cartridge.
in the
COLOURED
are
It
Rifles,
has no injurious
Rifle,
and
is
climate.
Smokeless
Rifle
Powder.
"Rifleite."
For use in the new Magazine
Rifles of 7-7 m/m (-303) and
8
m/m
('315) calibre.
"CHILLED
Limited,
SHOT."
Beware of Imitations.
TRADE
CHILLEDSHOT
MARK.
Special attention
Chilled Shot.
size.
London Gun
superiority.
it is
without
Dices
SOLE MANUFACTURERS
composed of lead
and Worts
only,
of CHILLED SHOT,
GATESHEAD-ON-TYNE, ENGLAND,
Every
^tser
the leading journal of the world devoted to shooting, fishing and the
If you do not know about it, send for
experiences of the sportsman tourist.
the current number.
Terms, $4 per year; 10 cents per copy. For sale by
IT
is
Davies
price,
&
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$5 per year.
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Among them
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611 Hints for Sportsmen, Seneca
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CO,, 318
DAVIES &
S,
A.
E LEY'S
Breechloading Cartridges.
Cartridge Cases and Cartridges must be kept
in a Dry place.
Carefully
S.S.
As
either the
Metal Base
AMMUNITION
FOR
Sporting, Express,
and Military
Rifles
all Gun,
Makers.
ELEY BROTHERS,
LIMITED,
OLE SALE
ALLCOCK &
S.
'Standard
CO.,
Works,
RE DDI TC
H.
Manufacturers of
of Every Description
(Wholesale
only).
Branch Houses
London
E.G.
WHOLESALE AGENTS:
E. FOUCAULT, 77, Rue Rambuteau.
Paris:
Vienna:
OTTO NOOT,
New
Melbourne
York
:
J.
III.,
219,
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WRAGG,
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Street.
The American
Field:
$prfsmfln's Journal.
The recognised Authority in America on the Gun,
Rifle, Doy, Fox Hunting, and all subjects
pertaining
Each Number
is
to
Field Sports.
ILLUSTRATED,
and contains
Travel,
information of events in the
Foreign Postage
$5
$1
a Year.
a Year.
OFFICES
243,
PARK PLACE,
NEW
YORK, U.S.A.
from
whom
PRICES OF
W. W. GREENER'S
Breech-Loading Guns, with
all
the Latest
Improvements.
No.
200.
s.
The
"
mens'
locks,
Made
on page 7
-The "TRAP" Gun,
.
The
10.
similar to the
rib,
shooting of each
08.
p.
As
Rebounding
The "FANCY
locks,
and
front
slightly
action
o
o
13
14 14
engine-turned
engraved
FORESTER," superior
finish
...
and
...
13
well
...
Good
illustration
1212
engraved
The
10 10
illustration
...
...
...
...
...
Superior make and finish
Greener's "FORESTER" Gun, Treble-wedge-fast Cross-
bolt,
109.
...
Gun
guaranteed.
Top-lever Gun, with either Bar or Back action, La-
on
1
990
illus-
203.
on page
trated
201.
990
and shooting
Illustrated
207.
d.
DOMINION GUN,"
shooting guaranteed.
is
not
W. GREENER'S SHOT-GUNS.
PRICE LIST OF W.
No.
107.
This
Gun
is
now
Treble-wedge-fast
minated Steel or Siemens'
fitted
Steel
Barrels,
tastefully
...16160
06.
Better qualities
105.
21
--
103.102.
...
ioi.
100.
to the
Gun
illustrated
10
35
i5
104.
26
...
42
47
57
15
on
...
SINGLE-BARRELLED GUNS.
Breech-loading,
Single-Barrelled
double-grip, under-lever
Ditto, with engraving
serviceable,
55
plainly finished
...
...
...
...
sound,
good,
Gun,
660
660
...
...
engraving
Ditto, engraved
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Better Qualities,
All lo-bore
8-bore
Duck Guns,
,8
8s.,
Guns
is.
93.,
and
...
...
,10
nj
Prices from
^15
1 1
Ibs.
for
155.
Double Grip
Ditto
Treble-wedge-fast
Ditto
as illustrated
2 oz. shot,
los.
21.
from
...
^21
^26
Length of Barrel
Gun
on
from
p. 96...
...
...
36
26
^31
^31
extra.
o
o
10
to 42 inches.
and charged
10
PRICE LIST OF W.
IV.
W. W. GREENER'S
THE
" Facile
Princeps
GKJ-ENJ-K'S SHOT-GUNS.
HAMMERLESS GUNS.
"
lock mechanism, the celebrated Treble-wedgeBreech mechanism, Patent Side Safety Bolt, with which these Guns
are fitted, have given every satisfaction in all parts of the world.
All
these Guns are most carefully manufactured by W. W. Greener, and the
utmost value is put into the barrels and lock and breech action mechafast
nisms, so that
W. W. Greener
as
handier,
being
safer,
No.
28.
s.
engraving,
...
Barrels
27.
26.
d.
plainly-finished,
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Better quality, neatly finished and engraved
With Greener's Sterling Steel or English Laminated Steel
Barrels
...
...
...
...
...
made
...
...
1616
21
26
31
10
36
42
with 27-inch
...
...
...
22.
21.
24.
23.
...
...
...
...
...
47
...
57
15
No.
is. extra.
5.
The
4.
...
pp. 23 and 24
Better quality and finish
el.
and well
finished, as
illustration
on
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
36 15
42 o
o
o
No.
3.
on
2.
i.
p.
and
47
...
23
more
Gun most
tastefully finished
and
artistically
p.
52 10
engraved
195), or
...6300
...
EXTRA BARRELS.
Extra Barrels usually cost half the original price of the Gun, but no
10 los.
barrels can be properly fitted for less than
New
Barrels to old
Gun
to
fit
It
is
necessary for us to
barrels as light as
28
(Guaranteed
A Gun
with
Ibs.
made
to order.
made
to order,
Gun we recommend
and lighter Guns made to order.
shortest-barrelled
Barrels
6^
Ibs.,
for ordinary
is
the
lightest
shooting.
and
Shorter
RE-STOCKING
6 gs.
Second Quality
,,
...
5 gs.
...
5 gs.
...
...
gs.
2\
gs.
2 is.
(The above prices include Blueing the Furniture and Browning the
Barrels.)
New
Strikers
and
...
Springs...
...
...
...per set
53.
3 gs. to
5 gs.
&
2 gs.
7 gs. to
12 g>.
g.
...
...
...
Horn Heel
...
...
los. to
Plates
...
to
...
...
...
...
Improving Shooting of Old Barrels
los. to
Taking out Dents from Barrels
Taking Choke out of Barrel, Shooting and Adjusting same,
each Barrel
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
... los. to
...
Facing or Jointing-up Shaky Actions
Thoroughly doing up and Cleaning Gun, Re-chequering, Blueing,
Browning
Barrels, &c.
&c
each,
^i
...
to
o
o
o ,10
i
10
110
o 15
012
200
050
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Top-Lever Springs ...
Tumblers for Hammerless Guns
each, 55. to
on
or
Initials,
Thumbpiece
Monograms Engraved
26
...
or extra Mainsprings
New Cocks
Crests,
o 10
...
...
..
Blueing only
,,
d.
...
Cleaning only
New
050
Gun
Gun Cases
or
initialed or
named, from
...
...
at
o 10
each, 55. to
each, 35. to
Lowest Rates.
living in the
PRICE LIST OF
The
IV.
W. GREENER'S Snor-Guxs.
CHOKE-BORED
W. W. GREENER'S PATENT
RIFLE.
A.
bullets, light
The grooving
and clean
is
invisible,
throughout
This weapon
is
its
foul,
as
distinctly different
accomplished.
// has the accuracy
and handiness of
cannot
whole length
it
is
the shot-gun.
It
rifle
is,
moving
large
game.
I2-BORES AS LIGHT AS
A
prices
fine
assortment of i2-Bore
from 25 guineas.
7 Ibs.
Hammerless Choke-Bored
Rifles
at
cation.
GREENER'S RIFLES.
W. W,
The Cape
1
6 bore,
yards.
Made
Rifle
and the
left
same
in
grades.
THE "JUNGLE"
RIFLE.
W. W. GREENER'S
All
Cheapness.
and 200
is a Marvel of
and sighted accurately
yards.
*.
Price, without
17 17
Case
Higher Grades
from
in proportion.
THE "FORESTER"
This Rifle
"
is
made
like the
RIFLE.
W. W. GREENER'S
"
Made
in
same
quality as the
"Jungle"
Rifle,
...
21
...
...
</.
00
o
Case complete from
3
3
Rifles
with
Grade
the
"Cross-bolt"
Finer
action,
Treble-wedge-fast
30, 40, and 50 Guineas. Cases extra.
W. W.
fast Cross-bolt
mechanism.
under all possible conditions.
sportsmen.
EXPRESS RIFLES.
Bores
...
-360
Weights
...
-400
8
'45
Lighter or heavier
10
Rifle,
3110
Damascus
barrels
...
...
...
36 15
47
and
finished
This Rifle
is
...
...
also
made
...
...
...
...
spherical bullets.
This Rifle
is
also
made
and
411.
412.
no engraving,
4J3-
Ibs.
No
414.
rifles built
'577
12
'5
57
and spherical
bullets.
Hammerless
in
best
Self-Acting
Ejector
Rifles,
style
throughout, fitted with Greener's fine Sterling Steel or
Damascus
barrels
45
^5
55.
gs.
&
60
gs.
DOUBLE ELEPHANT
8-BORE
RIFLE.
Diagram
of Shooting
no
RIFLE.
made
at Helsingfors,
by
W. W. GREENER
grains powder;
muzzle velocity, 12,700 feet per second. Seven consecutive shots at 100 yards. Actual size of square, i by
grains
-}
inch.
Rifle.
is
but one
W. W. Greener
Years amongst
Rifles:
"
since which time they have been in continual use, and have been fired
several hundreds of times with 12 drams and a 2-oz. bullet, and with 16
PRICE LIST OF W.
W. GREENER'S RIFLES.
drams and a 4-oz. bullet, respectively. They have never required any
as close as when they
still sound, and the breech-actions
repair, and are
left the factory.
They have given me every satisfaction.
" S. P.
SANDERSON,
"Superintendent of Government Elephant
"Keddahs, Dacca.
"London, 1884."
These Guns have since been used by Mr. Sanderson with great
No sportsman living has had
success, and are now in splendid condition.
Indian
of
Sanderson
Mr.
more experience than
elephant hunting, and the
wear to which his rifles have been subjected is greater than is likely to
W. W.
to the large-bore rifles of any Indian or African sportsman.
Greener's Large-bore Rifles and Ball Guns have also been used with great
success by many well-known hunters in Africa, India, and East India,
fall
and reference
is
permitted.
J-
The
427.
"DACCA"
Elephant
</
Gun.
Treble-wedge-fast
Gun, of best quality
...
...
...
...
...
...
5210
The
"KEDDAH"
double8-bore,
Rifle,
Elephant
and
Mr.
Sanderson
barrelled,
many
noted sportsmen, sighted for 50 yards, TOO and 150
yards, 16 to 17 Ibs. weight, plainly finished, but of best
as supplied to
47
quality throughout
426.
The "TONQUIN"
Rifle,
8-bore,
double-barrelled,
24-
on the order.
RIFLES.
Single-Barrel Rifles
now
first
too, a
latest inventions
The
embodying the
Martini
is
Lock being unaffected by any climate, and the Stock never being
known to break it is, moreover, the Cheapest Rifle made that
;
will
PLAIN QUALITY.
s.
With Safety
Bolt, Straight
Pistol
Hand
Hand...
577 Express
Martinis, not
peditions,
MEDIUM.
d.
s.
BEST.
d.
s.
660 770
770 880
880
10 100
10 10
...
Government marked,
Carbines,
same
for explorers,
low prices
d.
990
hunting ex-
for quantities.
price.
These Rifles are also largely made to use the British Government ammunition at above prices, and serve either as a Long-
Range
Africa,
or Express Rifle.
They are in great demand
where they are the general favourites.
in
Long-Range
South
Rifles,
may be
supplied
without delay.
and Shooting
"303
REPEATING
RIFLE.
W. W. Greener is licensee under the Lee-Speed Patents to manufacture
Magazine Rifles identical with those in use by Her Majesty's forces.
These rifles are of first-class workmanship, accurately sighted, and shot and
W. W. Greener's private range (500 yards).
By an arrangement with a contractor to the Honourable Board of
Ordnance, ammunition of the same make and quality as issued by the
regulated at
ammunition,
No.
d.
The same
rifle
>.
Ammunition
12
1010
price
303 Repeating
1010
205.
per hundred, loaded with the Regulation charge, 85grain compressed pellet, and 2i5-grain steel-covered composite bullet, in
solid-drawn brass cases with
Smokeless
hermetically-sealed pinions.
powder cartridges can now be supplied.
THE NEW
-303
MARTINI.
REGULATION PATTERN.
PRICK LIST OF
IV.
IV.
GREENER'S RIFLES.
Service arm.
W. W. Greener
is
now
supplying
new
rifles
PRICE
;8
8s.
PER RIFLE.
,10
los.
U4.
Contractor
to the
British
"
UNDER the auspices of the genial Mr. A. P. Walshe, a trial was made
yesterday for the first time in Kimberley of the famous New British
Government Magazine Rifle, which has provoked so much discussion in
its tentative adoption by the War Orifice.
viewed from the practical colonial standpoint, seems to fulfil
A curious thing connected with the gun is
every condition except weight.
The penetration
that it has scarcely any recoil, and but a slight report.
is very great, and yesterday two shots fired at a heavy stinkwood post, by
European
The
Rifle,
Mr. A.
J.
Wright, went right through, and left a hole as clean and unAt 200 and 300 yards the
if it had been made with a gimlet.
splintered as
PRICE LIST OF W.
IV.
GREENER'S RIFLES.
800 yards, Mr. Wright and Mr. Finlason succeeded in hitting the target
In order to try the extreme ranges, 4 shots were
5 times out of 6 shots.
fired at 2,500 yards, and Mr. Wright missed the target by only a couple
i,
while
adapted to the Magazine '303 Rifle Cartridge. The Rifles were made by
W. W. Greener, who is licensee under the Lee-Speed Patents to manufacture them."
ROOK RIFLES
With Martini
actions, 4, 5,
and 6 guineas
REVOLVERS.
GREENER'S BULL-DOG REVOLVER.
320, -360, -380,
Cheaper
Very
and -450
bores,
25.
each
superior
Same
as
6
W. W.
simple machine of
W. W.
Greener's invention.
and
it
will
if
is
rejected.
The
material,
be found
prices are the lowest possible for the best quality cases and
and careful loading. Each cartridge sold by W. W. Greener will
perfect.
Prices of
grs.
Ditto, 47 grs.
us.
and ij
oz.,
and
"E.G.," or "S.S.," 45 or 47
cash, or 125. booked.
us.
Hay-
Or
68,
ij- oz.,
grs.,
and
Green or blue paper Cases, 3 drams & ij oz., 93. 6d. cash, or los. 6d. booked.
3^ drams & ij oz., IDS. cash, or us. booked.
3j drams
&
ij
oz.,
us. cash, or
125.
booked.
If in "Perfect," "Perfectly Gas-tight," "Grouse," or other fancy Cartridge Cases, the prices will be 6d. per 100 more; also 2|-in. Cases 6d.,
and
3-in.
The
"
Cases
is.
In
Eley's
Green
with special
at 95. per 100 for
in Eley's Special
Cases,
From
and
per 100
is.
The above
St.
at 68,
prices are for delivery
No
these prices.
to hold 100,
3d.
Delivery, Carriage forward or paid, to
is. is.
any Railway
Station at
home
or abroad, by
arrangement.
"
20-bores,
is.
per 1,000
less.
ditto,
8s.
53.
per
per
lb.
1,000;
Wadding, 35. to 55. per lb.; PinkWaterproof and Card ditto, is. and
Felt
TERMS. On
no account will the Cash ivith Order Prices be allowed unless the
Cash accompanies the order; otherwise the] Quarterly Rooked Prices icill
be charged.
"
Blue Rock
"
Target
is
,,
" Blue
oniy.
084
Cord
The Standard
for
No
...
Trap
...
...
...
...
at
and
Very strong
Throws
easily adjusted.
wards
Price for single ball
To throw two
balls
extra
050
Stationary Trap
quality, as
used
if
desired.
the ball
the shooter.
...
...
at the
Gun
Club,
270
220
each.
Winning Gun,
CYLINDERS.
London, 1877.
Gun,
Winning
FIELD
the
v.
86100;
SOUTH,
Philadel-
CHOKE-BORES
Silver
1881.
Cup,
obtained in a
GREAT
TRIAL OF
LONDON
Shoot
Public Glass
CARVER
EXPLOSIVES,
Cup
Winning Gun
at
Hurlingham, 1882.
Gun,
CHAMPIONSHIP
OF ENGLAND,
Winning
States, 1883.
1880.
Gun,
Winning
Zealand
Exhibi-
d'Art,
Objets
Reims,
June,
1883.
tion, 1882.
Winning
Winning Gun,
GRAND PRIX DE
Gun,
Virgoe's Trophy,
Melbourne, 1883.
MARCHE,
Winning Gun,
GRAND PRIX DK
1880.
Gun,
Winning
CHAMPIONSHIP
OF THE WORLD
PARIS, 1884.
Boulogne, 1884.
First
CHALLENGE
Nice, 1884.
^Winning Gun,
Cleves,
1881.
ist,
3rd,
&
5th,
1885.
and
Gold Medal,
Gun,
Ballarat Annual,
Award, Cal-
cutta, 1884.
Award
First
CUP, 1881.
Winning
laide,
at
1878.
Gun,
Ball
v.
CLUB, 1881.
Winning
SCOTT.
Winning Gun, Gold Medal and Silver
1878.
LA
beating
BARCELONA,
1888.
GOLD MEDAL.
CAPTAIN BREWER,
Winner of the Championship of the World Challenge Cup, London, 1888.
REMARKABLE
series of Pigeon Matches was shot between the two celebrated experts, Capt. J. L. Brewer and J. A. R. Elliott, at Jersey City Gun
Club, U.S.A., three matches, at 100 birds each per match, for $3,000 a side.
The first round was shot on Thursday, March igth, which resulted in
The tie was then shot off at 25 birds,
a tie, both shooters killing 93.
Brewer scoring 23 and Elliott 21. Totals Brewer, 116; Elliott, 114.
The second race, on Tuesday, 24th, brought a large crowd, who were
well repaid by the magnificent score of Brewer, who scored 99 out of 100,
the lost bird, a hard-hit right-quarterer, falling dead out of bounds. Elliott
scored 92.
In the third and final match, March i6th, Brewer scored 93 and
Elliott 89.
The
Brewer, 95
average of the three days' shooting was
was said that this match was one of the best ever shot
Both shooters used Greener guns and Schultze gunpowder.
It
Elliott,
91 J.
in America.
PIGEON
SHOOTING EXTRA-
CHAMPIONSHIP OF
ORDINARY.
Richmond,
Va.,
1887.
THE BELGIAN
CHAMPIONSHIP,
Jersey City,
Adelaide, 1887.
March 2 6th,
Brussels, 1887.
FIRST AWARD,
for
BATHURST
CHAMPIONSHIP
HANDICAP, 1887;
59 Competitors;
Greener's Guns 1st,
Elliott killed 9 2.
PETERSBURG GUN
DIPLOMAS,
Greener Guns.
TRIALS,
ST.
1887.
1891.
AMERICAN FIELD
CHAMPION WING-SHOT
CUP, won
five
times
successively, 1890-91, by
Mr.
J. A. R.
with a
in
ELLIOTT,
GREENER
one match
Gun,
killing
98
HONOURS
TO THE
GREENER GUN.
this
important
Cylinders was
over
trial
the
fully
demonstrated, and
superiority
The
1875.
Choke-bores
of
tion.
make made
oz.
No. 6
shot.
Again, in 1879 our guns carried off the prizes in the 12- and 2O-bore classes.
CHOKE-BORES
v.
CYLINDERS. LONDON,
THIS
May
trial
was shot
off at
the
Gun Club,
1877.
Netting Hill,
23rd, 1877.
drs.
powder, whilst 3!
drs.
sides competing.
This
first by 14 birds.
proved that Choke-bores were the best
weapons for this shooting, and they have since
come to be generally used at all the gun clubs.
trial
fully
At the Gun Trials, 1886, Leavenworth, U.S.A., 50 guns, 45 yards, 24-inch circle,
'Greener 12-bore Gun won by 12 pellets, left barrel, and 13, right barrel, beating many
io-bores.
at Sacramento, Oct.
Coy Kendall, Esq.
ITS
9,
1890, by
DEVELOPMENT.
free
and
'
numerous
W. W. GREENER,
68,
St.
Mary's
Sq.,
Birmingham.
OF*Y
W. W.
to enable
GREENER
him
to
meet
he has
may be
branches
and Bath
inspected.
It
is
Street,
where gunmaking
the largest
The
and
all
rifles
Gentlemen
first
Hours of
in all
its
in
for
and moderate
price
turning on the
which
business, 9
Mary's
St.
modern improvements.
lately ex-
guns and
that,
is
left
past the
up Corporation
New Law
Street,
Courts, Loveday
till
following.
6; Saturdays,
till
i.
Closed on Bank
5
Price and
Terms
Gauge
Length of Barrels
Weight of Gun
Shooting
_
Bight Barrel-
,,
Stock
Left Barrel
Bend
Length
__
at
Bump,
at Toe,--
at Centre,
Fore-end
Finish
Hand, &c __
Engraving
Safety required
When
Gun
Comb
at
Bump
"S
o>
Cast-off
If Pistol
at
__
Locks-
_, Sight
_,
Bib
_,
Price-
to be finished
Case No.
PLEASE
CARDS OR
DO NOT REMOVE
SLIPS
UNIVERSITY
1972
FROM
THIS
OF TORONTO
LIBRARY